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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 14, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (35) shoots over Indiana Pacers guard Jalen Lecque (0) during the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-USA TODAY Sports /

15. Cleveland Cavaliers

2019-2020 Record: (19-46)
Preseason Record: (2-2)

Much like the Knicks, Cleveland had a relatively quiet offseason, signing no major free agents and making some questionable signings in terms of their roster construction.

Off-Season Moves:

Mathew Delavodova: While a fan favorite in Cleveland, this signing is questionable due to the Cavs’ depth at this position. They have Collin Sexton (8th overall 2018), Darius Garland (26th overall in 2019) and Dante Exum (5th overall in 2014). While this signing comes at a reasonable price tag of of one-year, $2.7 million, it does nothing much other than add a bit of defensive depth to an already deep position.

Damyean Dotson: OAKAAK – While Knicks fans should be familiar with Dotson after spending the majority of his career on the Knicks bench; a large portion of the fanbase was upset to lose Dot – and not without reason. As a Knick, Dotson showed flashes of potential to be a true 3-and-D threat. Unfortunately, he will have to compete with Isaac Okoro, this year’s 5th overall pick, Kevin Porter Jr. and Cedi Osman for playing time in Cleveland. On a 2-year, $2 million contract, this is a low-risk signing for a player coming off a down year.  But in reality, I don’t see him playing a role much different than he had with the Knicks: a bench player who is a good defensive wing and can get hot from three for stretches. I don’t believe Knicks fans will be getting their wish to #FreeDot.

Javale McGee: McGee adds depth, rim protection and experience to the roster, but with Andre Drummond still on the roster, he will likely play a backup role to offset the loss of Tristan Thompson.

I don’t see the Cavs making much of a leap this year and will continue to remain on the outside of even the extended playoff/in picture.

Next. 5 preseasons stats to know. dark

Finally, time the important questions: assuming the 8 teams who made the playoffs last year don’t fall out this year, which (if any) of these teams do I see making the 9th and 10th seed, and how does the bottom of the east play out?

My predictions for 9-15 in the Eastern Conference:

9. Washington Wizards: Projected Record (35-37)

10. Atlanta Hawks: Projected Record (32-40)

11. Charlotte Hornets: Projected record (25-47 )

12. New York Knicks: Projected record (24-48)

13. Chicago Bulls: Projected Record (23-49)

14. Cleveland Cavaliers: Projected Record (23-49)

15. Detroit Piston: Projected Record (20-52)

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