The New York Knicks stopping their 18-game home losing streak was so big that even the Oscars heard about it. Samuel L. Jackson made sure to let the viewers watching at home and Spike Lee know that the team completed a 130-118 victory against the San Antonio Spurs, but if the team wants to land Duke University prospect and college basketball superstar Zion Williamson, it’s probably in their interest to not turn this into a win streak. Even Lee yelled back, “We’re trying to tank!”
While the games showed some positives for the young Knicks, especially Kevin Knox and Dennis Smith Jr., the team’s that have struggled this season still have their eyes set on the light at the end of the tunnel: Williamson.
The Knicks currently have the second-worst record in the NBA standing at 12-48. The Cleveland Cavaliers are behind them with 14 wins and the Phoenix Suns own the worst record in the NBA with 12 wins and 50 losses.
The Knicks don’t need to finish with the worst overall record, but they do need to finish in the bottom three. The three teams with the worst records have an equal chance in the lottery of landing the No. 1 pick under the new rules for the 2019 Draft Lottery.
Williamson is one of the most interesting prospects to come out in a long time, if not in history. At 6-foot-7-inches and 285 pounds, Williamson has proven his ability to dunk and block, making the highlight reel many times.
Even the Knicks are excited about the possibility of him joining. Knox played against Williamson during his AAU days so he’s seen the talent Williamson brings to the court in person.
“I think he’s going to be perfect,” Knox said. “Zion [Williamson] rebounds the ball. He defends. He’s a team player. He’s going to do whatever it takes to win.”
The Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks are on the cusp of entering the bottom three teams, which means there’s no guarantee that the Knicks have a secured spot for a chance at the No. 1 Pick.
If they want to land Williamson, their best is to keep losing and make sure they have one of the worst records at the end of the season. With Williamson’s star power, not only will he be bringing talent to the court, but he’ll be filling the seats of Madison Square Garden and helping to make the Knicks a team that climbs its way to the top of the leaderboard.
Featured image: Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Alexandra Licata 