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Knicks: Where does New York rank in the Eastern Conference?

By Nolan Eritano

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during the third quarter of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Target Center on November 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Timberwolves are debuting their City Jerseys honoring the late artist Prince. The Timberwolves defeated the Trail Blazers 112-96. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during the third quarter of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Target Center on November 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Timberwolves are debuting their City Jerseys honoring the late artist Prince. The Timberwolves defeated the Trail Blazers 112-96. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Dec 19, 2020; Washington, DC, USA; Bradley Beal #3 and Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards talk during a timeout against the Detroit Pistons during a preseason game at Capital One Arena on December 19, 2020 in Washington, DC. Mandatory Credit: Rob Carr/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports /

10. Washington Wizards

2019-2020 Record: (25-57)
Preseason Record: (1-2)

Other than the Hawks, I can’t think of any of these five bottom-dweller teams that improved more in the offseason than the Washington Wizards.  Say what you will about how John Wall has looked to start the preseason in Houston, we have no idea what he will look like over the course of a full regular season. On the other hand, Russ is a known commodity and an improvement to the point guard spot in comparison to the absolute nothing the Wizards have gotten out of Wall the past two seasons.

His presence and work ethic paired with a player the caliber of Bradley Beal should work with the rest of their surrounding cast in Davis Bertans, Rui Hachimura and Thomas Bryant. I think they have the potential to end up as high as the 5th seed in the East and fully expect them to be one of these five teams to make the leap into the playoffs.  However, their bench continues to be a major area of concern and could be something that ultimately holds- them back in achieving their postseason goals.

Most importantly for the Wizards, Westbrook provides an extra incentive to an already competitive team; and that could go a long way in re-signing Bradley Beal to a new deal keeping him in Washington long-term.

11. Chicago Bulls

2019-2020 Record: (22-43)
Preseason Record: (1-2)

Make no mistake about it, Chicago has a lot of young talent on their team. But much like the Knicks, those young prospects haven’t shown enough to attract any notable free agents. They drafted Patrick Williams out of Florida State with the 4th overall pick, but outside of that, it looks like any significant leaps will need to come from player development.

Right now, I think this is a team that doesn’t have enough 3-point shooting or enough spacing to maximize their guard play. There really isn’t one player that I love on their roster and I expect them to be towards the bottom of the league again this year.

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