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The final two Knicks games will have major 2022 NBA Draft ramifications

By Zachary Bachar

Mar 25, 2022; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Purdue Boilermakers guard Jaden Ivey (23) shoots against St. Peter's Peacocks guard Isiah Dasher (13) in the first half in the semifinals of the East regional of the men's college basketball NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2022; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Purdue Boilermakers guard Jaden Ivey (23) shoots against St. Peter's Peacocks guard Isiah Dasher (13) in the first half in the semifinals of the East regional of the men's college basketball NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Knicks have been eliminated from postseason contention for the past week, recently suffering another devastating loss to the Brooklyn Nets as they have now dropped to 35-45 on the year. However, that game may have been a blessing in disguise.

While the Knicks have been winning more games than most lottery teams as of late, there’s certainly a case to be made that those wins have made the future brighter than any late lottery pick could.

Despite recent inefficiency, RJ Barrett is the second-youngest player in the league averaging at least 20 points per game and has passed Julius Randle as the team’s leading scorer.

Obi Toppin has averaged 16-7-3 as a starter while shooting both 55% from the field and 38% from three. Immanuel Quickley is averaging 15 points and 5 assists over the past 12 games, while rookie second-round pick Jericho Sims recorded a double-double in just the third start of his career.

However, the franchise would benefit immensely from losing their final two games of the 2021-22 season this weekend.

The Knicks’ remaining games will be crucial for NBA Draft positioning

As it currently stands, New York is tied with the Washington Wizards for the 10th best lottery odds. They’re only 0.5 games back from the San Antonio Spurs, who currently hold the ninth best lottery odds.

However, they’re also just 0.5 games away from the New Orleans Pelicans, who have the 12th best lottery odds.

If the Knicks were to lose out and likely secure the ninth position, they would have a 20.3% chance at moving up into the top four spots, which includes a 2.5% chance at the number one overall pick.

If New York were to win out and potentially finish in the 12th position, they would have a mere 7.1% chance at moving up into the top four picks, with only a 1.5% chance at getting the top spot.

While the likelihood of moving up to the top spot is small, getting into the top four would be an excellent accomplishment. That would put them in the range to draft someone like Purdue guard Jaden Ivey, a high-flying volume scorer who can also hit threes at a high percentage.

The Knicks’ final two opponents are the Wizards and the Toronto Raptors. The good news is that the Raptors, ninth-place Spurs, and 12th place Pelicans all have playoff spots to fight for and will be actively trying to win games.

That leaves Friday’s upcoming contest against Washington as a game that could end up with the loser moving three lottery spots in one night. The Wizards have won three of their past five games, led by old foe Kristaps Porzingis.

If New York ends up tied for a draft spot with another team, there will be a coin flip held at the end of the season to see which franchise gets the higher pick.

While it’s difficult to be actively rooting for the Knicks to fail, finishing the season with two more losses could end up boosting the team’s long-term success.

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