NBA State of the Tank Volume I: Race For the First Pick
By Dallin Duffy
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?