As the Knicks careen to a top-three pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Duke stars Zion Williamson and R.J. Barrett could atop their board. Watch video
It’s that time of year, Knicks fans.
As the NBA season comes down the stretch, Madison Square Garden won’t be preparing for playoff basketball.
Instead, a look ahead to the NBA Draft lottery and 2019 NBA Draft will dominate conversation in New York and around a franchise that desperately needs luck (both in the draft and free agency) this coming summer.
If the Knicks do land the top choice, two Duke freshman could be there for the choosing: Athletic freak Zion Williamson and smooth forward R.J. Barrett.
In the latest 2019 NBA mock draft from Tankathon, Williamson (despite a scary knee injury in the recent Duke vs. North Carolina game) went No. 1 in simulations. Barrett, the less-heralded Blue Devil, went No. 2.
The Knicks currently own an 11-47 record, good for worst in the Eastern Conference. Phoenix owns an 11-49 mark, good for the worst in the entire NBA. Thanks to lottery reform, the bottom three records (currently Phoenix, New York and Cleveland) have the same, flattened-out odds to win the lottery.
Williamson is averaging 21.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game this season.
Barrett is averaging 23.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game this season.
The Knicks could pair Williamson or Barrett with free agent stars like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to form an instant big three in the Eastern Conference. If the Duke products are as good as advertised, the leap from league’s worst to contender could be a fast one in New York.
Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.