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New York Knicks: NBA Draft history of No. 3 pick in lottery era

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK - JUNE 25: James Harden shakes hands with NBA Commissioner David Stern after being selected third by the Oklahoma Thunder during the 2009 NBA Draft on June 25, 2009 at the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK - JUNE 25: James Harden shakes hands with NBA Commissioner David Stern after being selected third by the Oklahoma Thunder during the 2009 NBA Draft on June 25, 2009 at the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The lottery era history of the No. 3 pick in the NBA Draft makes the New York Knicks future look bright.

The 2019 NBA Draft Lottery did not result in the first pick for the New York Knicks, and it was treated like the latest disappointment for a franchise that just went 17-65. Unlike the Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers, though, the Knicks still landed a top-five selection, landing third overall.

While this spot does not hold as much pull as the opening selection, No. 3 is fine compensation for a team that needs all the talent it can accumulate this offseason.

The modern-day history of this pick is actually terrific. Before the lottery began in 1985, Michael Jordan was selected by the Chicago Bulls this high in the 1983 NBA Draft. Hall of Fame-caliber players followed afterward.

The list of players picked third overall since the lottery began is eye-opening and might provide some hope for Knicks fans down the road:

The stretch from 1999 to the present day was terrific for the No. 3 pick. Even in the ’90s, when Penny Hardaway, Grant Hill, Jerry Stackhouse and Chauncey Billups all arrived.

Each third pick since 2009 remains in the NBA. The closest to leave was Jahlil Okafor, who bounced around the League since arriving in 2015.

Some of the game’s brightest modern-day stars were picked third. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are rising studs on a talented Boston Celtics team; Bradley Beal is a top shooting guard for Washington; James Harden might one day retire as one of the greatest two-guards ever; Carmelo Anthony dazzled for 14 years; Pau Gasol played as recent as this past season and has two titles to his name; Luka Doncic looks like the next great international star.

That’s not to say the Knicks will hit a home run at No. 3. For every Doncic, there are players like Adam Morrison and OJ Mayo. However, the talent to land at this pick for the past 34 years is difficult to argue with.

dark. Next. 2019 NBA Mock Draft: The lottery's impact on the first round

The New York Knicks will have the inside track at one of the 2019 NBA Draft’s top players. One of them will land third overall and attempt to continue this long line of greatness.

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