Soaring Down South
Fansided

NBA State of the Tank Volume I: Race For the First Pick

By Dallin Duffy

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: Raul Fernandez of the Washington Wizards attends the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery on May 14, 2019 at the Chicago Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: Raul Fernandez of the Washington Wizards attends the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery on May 14, 2019 at the Chicago Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 01: Dennis Smith Jr. #5 of the New York Knicks talks to head coach Mike Miller during a game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 1, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Knicks defeated the Pacers 92-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

New York Knicks

Record: 17-37

Current odds: 9%

Remaining SOS: 23rd (.488)

Years Tanking: 7

The Knicks have been playing inspired ball since Mike Miller has taken over has interim Head Coach, going 13-19 in the two months since. They carried a four-game winning streak into Sunday’s matchup with the Hawks, and nearly won a fifth straight, losing in double overtime.

Whether it is Miller’s coaching or just improved play, the Knicks seem to be trending up right now, on the court at least. A decently easy remaining SOS could see them for 30 wins, something they haven’t achieved since 2017.

Rookie RJ Barrett has had his moments while Julius Randle has been playing up to his contract for the most part. Mitchell Robinson however has been straight up (no fouls; pun intended) fantastic as a rim-protecting glass cleaner, looking to be a real steal for a 2nd-rounder.

While their still not great, their play on the court has at least moved them away from being the laughing stock of the NBA…for now.

State of the tank: New York is still a sexy free agent destination… right?