Beyond the Arc
by Ben Fiore
Plain and simple, the New York Knicks were “supposed” to win the draft lottery this year. Sadly for Knick fans, they’re going to have to just cross their fingers and hope luck finds them in free agency. The Knicks didn’t get shorted too bad though since they still get the 3rd overall pick. Let’s take a look at the rest of the order to see how the 14 eligible teams ended up.
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Memphis Grizzlies
- New York Knicks
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Phoenix Suns
- Chicago Bulls
- Atlanta Hawks
- Washington Wizards
- Atlanta Hawks (via Mavericks)
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Charlotte Hornets
- Miami Heat
- Boston Celtics (via Kings)
Everyone was basically assuming that the Knicks would land the number one pick, considering they had the highest percent chance, and were just the absolute f***ing worst this past year. Honestly, I hate the Knicks. But I do slightly feel bad for New York because they just can’t catch a break. Although, they still have a chance at a great athlete in the 3 spot, and are hoping for KD, Kyrie or both this offseason so best of luck, Knick fans.
Now here’s why the Pelicans winning the lottery is VERY interesting… After the Anthony Davis fiasco this year, including the firing of their GM, luck just struck them like a lighting rod. It’s pretty evident that no matter who received the #1 overall selection, Zion would still go number one. So does this change Anthony Davis’ mind and make him stay? Or, will the Pels even still want Anthony Davis now? Maybe with the #1 pick, they “don’t need him” especially since he already has shown he didn’t want to be there this year. The ball is literally in New Orleans’ court. I’m super excited for what is in store. This year’s draft class is genuinely jam packed with amazing talent, so much so to where every single team will be receiving a probable franchise player. But we all are banking on the beautifully frightening human highlight reel named Zion Williamson to be taken at #1. Would that be a good fit for him?
I think 100% yes. That city is most likely about to lose their star (AD) and are in desperate need of new lifeblood. Who better to provide that than the most exciting up and coming athlete in sports? Zion will be paired with Jrue Holiday and Julius Randle, on his way to a promising future. Sure it’s not as appealing of a destination as New York or LA, but the Big Easy isn’t a bad place to start. All of the NBA should be STOKED for all of the new young guns entering the league this season. Especially anyone who remotely supports the New Orleans Pelicans.
Now it’s not ALL about Zion or New Orleans, but shit well it is. Every NBA fan should be excited for Summer League, and the upcoming season. JA Morant, RJ Barrett, and plenty others will come in hot to the league and might be the most talented class we’ve seen since 2003. So even though the playoffs are still going on, I’m ready for tip off of the 2019-2020 season. Are you?