ESPN's Real Plus-Minus Projects Knicks to Finish 12th in the East
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 17: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks looks on against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center on November 17, 2016 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)

The latest edition of ESPN’s annual real plus-minus rankings doesn’t isn’t a good look for the New York Knicks.

Preseason rankings are rarely kind to the New York Knicks. ESPN’s real plus-minus projections are no different.

ESPN’s Kevin Pelton released the projected win-loss records for each team in 2017-18, and the Knicks are once again projected to finish 12th in the Eastern Conference. They’re projected to win a pedestrian 32 games, just one more than last season’s total.

Pelton says that New York’s point guard issues will contribute to their lowly record. Frank Ntilikina projects as New York’s best point guard next season. Although, that might not be something to write home about.

Via ESPN.com:

A weak point guard rotation figures to keep the Knicks from making the playoffs even in a weakened East. The best RPM projection for any of New York’s point guards belongs to rookie Frank Ntilikina (minus-1.9 points per 100 possessions). Second-year guard Ron Baker is projected to be 2.1 points worse than league average per 100 possessions, while veteran Ramon Sessions is at minus-2.9.

Keep in mind; these projections are all based on Carmelo Anthony being on the roster. New York could very well end up finishing well below 32 wins without their superstar scorer.

With Kristaps Porzingis faced with being the No. 1 option for the first time surrounded by little talent, this team is bound for one of the five worst records in the league at least.