2019 NBA Draft Team Preview: New York Knicks - Picks and Odds

What: 2019 NBA Draft

Where: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY

When: Thursday, June 20th at 8:30 PM EST

How (TV): ESPN, Yahoo Sports

Overview

The 2019 NBA Draft will occur on Thursday, June 20th at 8:30 PM at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, NY. The broadcast will be available on ESPN and Yahoo Sports.

The 2019 NBA Draft was the first to introduce the new weighted lottery system – where the bottom three ranking teams in the league each had an equal 14% chance to win the number one overall pick.

The bottom three teams – the New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, and Cleveland Cavaliers finished within their projected range. But the overall winner of the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery was the New Orleans Pelicans.

For more on the NBA Draft, we’ve put together a short 2019 NBA Draft Odds. Check it out to understand how the draft works.

How Did the New York Knicks Fare This Season?

Head Coach: David Fizdale {All-Time 67-116 | MEM, NYK}

Season Record: 17-65

Starting Five: (G) Dennis Smith Jr. – (G) Damyean Dotson – (F) Lance Thomas – (F) Kevin Knox – (C) Mitchell Robinson

Potential Losses: (C) DeAndre Jordan (Contract Expiry), Mario Hezonja (Contract Expiry), Emmanuel Mudiay (Contract Expiry)

The goal for the Knicks last season was to make room for an incoming star via the draft or free agency. They started the season with a multitude of surprisingly talented young players, but resolved to tank for the top pick soon after they began.

The turning point of the New York Knicks’ season began when they decided to forsake their injured star Kristaps Porzingis. They gained very little in return, resolving to acquire immediate salary cap relief via the expiring contracts of DeAndre Jordan and Wesley Matthews.

The Knicks look forward to the NBA Draft and Free Agency where they will target franchise altering pieces in both areas. With almost $38 million coming off the books, they will hope a big splash in those areas will attract even more to their potential success.

Where will the New York Knicks Be Picking?

The New York Knicks entered the NBA Draft with a 14% chance of winning the first overall pick.

The ping-pong balls didn’t fall in their favour, as the New York Knicks have to settle for the third overall pick in the NBA Draft.

The Knicks also maintain the 55th overall pick in the NBA Draft in the second round.

What Do the New York Knicks Need?

The New York Knicks have cleared their roster of expensive salaries and unnecessary pieces. As they enter this draft with a top three pick and a late second-round pick, the New York Knicks look to acquire assets able to contributed immediately.

They are certain to acquire an up and coming star with the third overall pick, but don’t be surprised to see them active in the trade market as they own a significant amount of cap space.

The Knicks need improvement at every position. But with the potential of Dennis Smith Jr and Mitchell Robinson at point and centre, the wing position seems to be the position of immediate priority.

Who Have the New York Knicks Picked Recently?

2018: Kevin Knox – USA – Kentucky

Kevin Knox nails the triple and has a career-high 26 PTS (5 3PM)! #NBARooks#NewYorkForever 108#FearTheDeer 115

5:03 to play on NBALP (https://t.co/L3VurkatG8) pic.twitter.com/CEYFQgyNYX

— NBA (@NBA) December 2, 2018

Kevin Knox was a highly touted NBA prospect coming out of Kentucky. He has incredible physical attributes, but criticisms regarding his motivation were always in place. While he was able to score the ball impressively as a rookie, his lack of efficiency plagues his value.

2018: Mitchell Robinson – USA – Chalmette HS

• All-NBA Rookie Team (2019)

“Mitchell Robinson can’t block shots” pic.twitter.com/n1RAoCaivh

— Posting and Toasting (@ptknicksblog) June 4, 2019

There was much concern over the ability of Mitchell Robinson, as he chose to forego college and train personally before the 2018 NBA Draft. His efforts paid off, as his ability as a rim-protecting big man won him a place on the All-Rookie Second Team.

2017: Frank Ntilikina – France/Rwanda – SIG Strasbourg

Fake Pass + Dunk

Frank Ntilikina goin’ ? ?#Knicks pic.twitter.com/Y7vIQ107en

— NBA France (@NBAFRANCE) December 29, 2017

Ntilikina was touted as one of the most impressive international prospects of his generation. That renown helped him to be selected eighth overall in 2017. He has yet to impress, as he hasn’t been able to enforce his potential on NBA-level competition.

Who Were the Knicks’ Best Picks?

1985: Patrick Ewing – Jamaica/USA – Georgetown

• Inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
• 11x NBA All-Star (1986, 1988-1997)
• All-NBA First Team (1990)
• 6x All-NBA Second Team (1988, 1989, 1991-1993)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1986)
• No. 33 Retired by the New York Knicks

An NCAA Champion, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, and eleven-time All-Star, Patrick Ewing is one of the greatest to ever man the pivot position. A member of the legendary USA Dream Team that inspired millions around the world, the only blemish on Ewing’s career is his lack of an NBA Championship. Though, that is the case for many players to play in the era of Michael Jordan.

1964: Willis Reed – USA – Grambling State

• 2x NBA Champion (1970, 1973)
• 2x NBA Finals MVP (1970, 1973)
• NBA Most Valuable Player (1970)
• 7x NBA All-Star (1965-1971)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1970)
• All-NBA First Team (1970)
• NBA All-Defensive First Team (1970)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1965)
• No. 19 retired by the New York Knicks

A legendary figure in NBA history, Willis Reed represents the pinnacle of New York Knicks players. No Knick has ever lived up to the heart and ability of Willis Reed, having been the first player to ever simultaneously be named All-Star Game MVP, League MVP, and Regular Season MVP. His legend stands, yet to be conquered by any in the Knicks 73 year history.

1967: Walt “Clyde” Frazier – USA – Southern Illinois

• 2x NBA Champion (1970, 1973)
• 7x NBA All-Star (1970-1976)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1971)
• 4x All-NBA First Team (1970, 1972, 1974, 1975)
• 7x NBA All-Defensive First Team (1969-1975)
• NBA All-Rookie Team (1968)
• No. 10 retired by the New York Knicks

Where Willis Reed was the inspiration for many Knicks to come, Walt “Clyde” Frazier’s legacy near matches that of the evergreen Reed. A terror on the court due to his size, speed, and playmaking ability, Frazier’s game was ahead of his era.

Who Are the Knicks Projected to Select?

(G-F) RJ Barrett – Canada – Duke

RJ Barrett says he isn’t working out for any other teams and wants the Knicks to draft him at No. 3

(via @SNYtv)pic.twitter.com/oIBlHNckmi

— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) June 10, 2019

Not only does RJ Barrett seem to be the definitive choice for the Knicks, it seems he intends on seeing himself as the future of the New York Knicks. His size as a primary playmaker is unique across his age group, while his maturity as a national level basketball player for Canada since the age of 15 provides a steadiness for a young Knicks roster.

(G) Ja Morant – USA – Murray State

Ja Morant showing his exceptional court vision + left handed passing ability with this full speed dime for a layup early for #MurrayState against #FSU. #NBA scouts will watching closely to see how he handles the #Seminoles pressure today pic.twitter.com/kqkx76MRxT

— DraftExpressContent (@DXContent) March 23, 2019

Morant is an explosive and exciting point guard that isn’t expected to fall further than the Memphis Grizzlies at number two in the NBA Draft. Should the Grizzlies pass up on him though, the Knicks would be privileged to pick him up. His potential at the guard position is unequalled in this class, only bothered by the similarities between him and current Knicks guard Dennis Smith Jr.

2019 NBA Draft Odds

If you are in New Jersey you can bet on the NBA Draft with BetStars NJ. Here are the latest odds. Good luck!

First Draft Pick

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Second Overall Draft Pick

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