The Knicks will be crossing their fingers on Tuesday night, as the NBA Draft lottery will decided— potentially putting the franchise on a path towards success.
New York has just a 2% chance to secure the first overall pick in the draft, and a 9.4% chance to get a top 4 pick.
If the ping pong balls don’t fall their way, they will select a collegiate prospect at the number 11 overall pick.
After a season where they put up a winning record during the 2020-21 year, the team followed that up with a disappointing performance that saw them win just 37 games, along with 45 losses.
Nevertheless, the team has stuck by head coach Tom Thibodeau, along with general manager Leon Rose.
With a young core, led by RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley, the team has not made any splashy trades or acquisitions — though they’ve been linked to several marquee players, such as Utah Jazz shooting guard Donovan Mitchell.
But Tuesday night’s lottery will play a major role in their future.
The team’s senior executive, William Wesley, will be representing the team for the announcement of their pick.
That decision comes after years of being represented by the likes of Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier, John Starks, and Allan Houston.
The team apparently wanted to shake things up by having a lowly official at the draft lottery.
If they secure a top-4 selection, they would potentially have their choice of of college prospects like Jalen Duren and Mark Williams.
With a roster geared towards young players, they won’t have to avoid any positions, and could select whoever they desire.
That could also trade their pick, wether it be in the top 4, or they get relegated to number 11, for a big-name star.
While the order of the picks will be decided on Tuesday, the actual NBA Draft will be held on June 23, following the conclusion of the season.
