New York Knicks: Five biggest storylines for 2019 offseason
2. 14 percent chance for a game-changer
The New York Knicks will sit atop the draft lottery — kind of. They own the NBA’s worst record and can fall no lower than fifth overall in the final order, but the chances of selecting first are still slim.
For the first time, the NBA installed a smoothened lottery odds system. The worst three records have a 14 percent chance to select first. Even the fourth, fifth and sixth worst records have a reasonable chance to jump these teams.
The Knicks have garnered high draft odds before, but they have not selected first since 1985, when Patrick Ewing arrived in the first ever lottery. He was the game-changing talent of that draft, so what about 2019?
Zion Williamson is the prize of the draft and someone that would change New York’s perception positively. Not only his star aura, but overwhelming athleticism for someone 6-foot-6, 285 pounds that jumps off the court.
Williamson was a man amongst boys in college basketball, even against the ACC’s top teams like North Carolina and Virginia. His domination of these schools and everyone else that faced Duke was must-watch television, and he always looked like the best player on the court.
There is still Williamson’s game translating to the NBA, but his aggressive style of play and unique body type appear to be enough to make an impact. Other draftees will have a career, but no one is as exciting as this player, and fans may be disappointed if it’s anyone but Williamson this summer.