The Knicks plan to tank couldn’t be going better. Losers of 18 straight and currently the worst record in the NBA have fans feeling like winners. Who would of thought losing could feel so good?
This truly feels like a season where the Knicks will finish as the worst team from a standings perspective. With the Knicks being unlucky as usual (and also horribly operated), this upcoming offseason marks the first year of the new lottery draft rules. In the past the worst record team would receive majority balls. With the new system, the bottom 3 teams receive an equal amount a chance of getting Zion…I mean first pick. With that said, let’s look at the realistic possibilities of who can be rocking that blue and orange next season.
Zion Williamson PF, Duke
There is a guy named Zion who plays college basketball. He might be good. Like really fucking good. He’s flying under the radar, never spoken about. He plays at a really small school, almost unheard of. Some small catholic college.
The most coveted draft prospect since the GOAT LBJ, Zion stands at 6’7 roughly 285 pounds. we have seen videos of this mammoth since his early high school days. The haters claimed the only thing he could do was dunk. It’s safe to say those haters are hiding under the covers, scared of the thoughts that this young man can be a problem not just in the NCAA but in the NBA instantly.
There are so many things to like about the youngster from Salisbury, North Carolina. His first step is extremely quick. He’s been a mismatch so far, with opponents on the college level struggling to figure out how to guard a man of his size combined with his acceleration. We know his hops are off the charts but his shot needs to be respected as well. He is more comfortable down in the paint but when given space he has shown he can knock down the mid range.
Watch out on fast breaks because Zion can surprisingly handle the rock well for his size. He has shown time after time on fast breaks that he is confident pushing the ball. One of my favorite attributes of his game is his unselfishness. Multiple times he has drawn double teams downlow. When that defender cheats over he always knows where to find his open man/cutter . Truly and extremely talented prospect with all around game.
He is passionate about the game, which is easily seen shows in his on-court mannerisms. He is a team guy who always wants best for his team. The W is more important than anything. Many people think it would be smart for him to sit right now then risk injury due to his draft stock. His comments about the matter show you his heart is in this game, for himself, teammates and coaches. He wants to be recognized as a winner.
I have a message to Knicks fans all around. Start going to church. Start praying. Change your lifestyles to bring us good Karma. Anything that helps is needed for this crumbling franchise.
These next few prospects may not be Zion but are youngsters that show us this upcoming draft is filled with talented NBA level prospects. I promise these next few guys are gentleman who will have successful NBA careers.
Ja Morant PG, Murray St
It seems every draft we see a lethal college shooter projected as a lottery pick who comes with question marks. Some pan out and some don’t. This is one who is cooking and will so on the next level.
Ja Morant does not get the same hype as Zion, rightfully so. He plays in a small conference but is not getting the praise he deserves. AAU teammate of Zion, Ja Morant is a gifted scorer. He is talented in many areas, but his most coveted skill is his driving. Ja makes it look easy. His quick first step has left defenders looking stupid. He drives to the hole aggressive like an animal on the hunt. His long frame has top level hang time, making him one of the most athletic ballers in college. He doesn’t shy away from contact as he is constantly at the free throw line.
What goes unnoticed at times is his passing. Not only doesn’t he lead college in assists per game, he is straight Usain Bolting the competition. Morant has great size for a guard, making his long arms very useful on the defense end. His ball handling combined with his arm length makes it hard for opposing defenders to take the rock from him. Scouts are not only drooling over the 19 year old but are drawing comparisons to NBA all star and eventually Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook. If Zion wasn’t a thing, Ja Morant would possibly be the first pick off the ball next year.
Ja needs to work on his 3 point shot which he shows flashes of, but scouts would like to see a little more consistency. He also is turnover prone at times, but that goes hand and hand when you are the team. Sometimes he forces the issue, but this is something NBA coaches can teach. Ja Morant would shine under the bright lights of the Mecca.
RJ Barrett SG/SF Duke
Regarded as the #1 basketball recruit out of High School, RJ Barrett for sure will make an impact in the NBA. Straight outta the 6, RJ Barrett would make a great fit on most teams, but most certainly the Knicks.
One of my favorite things about this kid is his confidence. He is relentless to the rim and doesn’t shy away from it. On nights his game isn’t top notch, it doesn’t stop him from trying to ram it down his opponents throats. He seems to play his best ball in big games.
He is excellent driving to the hole. His ball handling is great for his size. Mix this with his multiple different ways to score down low. He can hit you with a reliable floater, crafty layup or slam it down. Shit gets scary. His shooting game is extremely effective as well. He strokes it from mid-range and from 3 point on the reg with ease (that’s what she said). Don’t be surprised if Barrett has the best all around offensive game out of all players in this draft.
His size and athleticism does not go unnoticed. Long arms and athletic frame make him a solid defender. He projects as a guard but he fits the mold of SF. Barrett is a great player to watch. He is a natural leader and is not shy of being vocal. His game is still developing so there are some nights that may frustrate you, but just watch one game and you will see why prospects are blushing at his game. Zion is the consensus #1 pick but if the Knicks fall to 2 or 3, the Toronto native needs to be in the discussion.
Cameron Reddish SG/SF Duke
If somehow the Knicks fall out of the top 3 pick it will be a disaster. Although Knicks fans have started buying Zion jerseys, let’s remember what franchise this is. So IF they fall outside the top 3 this is my guy. Call me Duke biased but they do have some of the top players in the country.
If Reddish went to another college, it is without a doubt in my mind we would be talking about him as a possible First team All-American. It’s hard to get all the light when you play with the best players in the world. Despite this, Cam Reddish has shown his true colors and I thoroughly enjoy it.
The man has ice in in his veins, continuously knocking down key shots in his games. Many people would choose Reddish to take the last show if needed. Reddish is more then just a hot 3 point shooter. The dude is super athletic. His size is perfect for the league. 6’7 and roughly 215 gives him that long build but helps him be quick on his feet. He will run at the 3 in the league but is confident and talented bringing the ball up if needed. Besides his athleticism and size he quietly is an excellent passer. When he puts the ball on the ground he finds his man and is well regarded by his coaches as a facilitator. He is a great teammate and more importantly a great leader.
He is praised as a high IQ guy, who understands the way the game should be played. He can guard around the perimeter and should be successful guarding small forwards on the next level. Whoever draft this guy will be happy with the results.
Final Recap
Let’s face it, Zion is the guy the Knicks need. he is a special specimen and once in a decade athlete. The Knicks need to continue to tank. They are finally doing things right. They have an extremely young team and are giving them high minutes to prove there worth a roster spot. They cut most of there vets to help with this. Every year the Knicks fans get ahead of themselves and more often then not we fall to our face. I can promise this, whomever falls to the Knicks we will be very fortunate. Let’s hope it’s Zion because we will be more then fortunate, we will be dare I say RELEVANT