The New York Knicks have finally been eliminated from playoff contention amid this no good horrible NBA campaign.
The 2018-19 season for the New York Knicks basically ended before it started. On Monday night, the Knicks officially were eliminated from playoff contention in a 115-108 loss to the Sacramento Kings on the road.
Kings shooting guard Buddy Hield had his way against the Knicks, scoring 28 points on 9-18 shooting (3-8) from 3-point range. Harrison Barnes, who was acquired from the Dallas Mavericks, also caused problems. Barnes scored 22 points on 7-13 shooting and also grabbed 10 rebounds.
Knicks Bright Spots Against The Kings
In the loss to the Kings, the Knicks didn’t have many bright spots, but two players stood out. Allonzo Trier came off the bench and scored 29 points on (8-16) shooting, which led all scorers. Trier also grabbed eight rebounds in 30 minutes of action.
The other bright spot for the Knicks on Monday night was Dennis Smith Jr, who scored 18 points. Smith Jr was 8-17 from the field and 2-4 from 3-point range. He also dished out five assists in 29 minutes of play. With the Knicks officially being eliminated from playoff contention, let’s look ahead to the off-season.
The Path To Zion Williamson
Obviously, the Knicks losing to the Kings was expected, but something good came out of it. They now have the worst record in the NBA at 13-51 due to the Phoenix Suns upsetting the Milwaukee Bucks 114-105.
So as of now, the Knicks will be projected to take Duke phenom Zion Williamson with the first overall pick. That’s been the goal since the season started.
The Knicks are hoping this rough season will pay off at the NBA Draft Lottery in June. Their odds of simply landing a top three pick in the lottery are looking good. However, the Knicks also have other goals in mind for the off-season.
Ladies and gentlemen, @ISO_ZO ? pic.twitter.com/6fSzmRr6nY
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 5, 2019
? for the ?
RT for the ? pic.twitter.com/1hBc7yhrN2— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 5, 2019
Make it ☔@HenryEllenson13 pic.twitter.com/a8PAYC1dk0
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 5, 2019
Now boarding: DSJ Airlines ?✈️ pic.twitter.com/2bKH8frjcC
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 5, 2019
Knicks Look To Acquire Superstars This Summer
Williamson isn’t the only star linked to the Knicks this season. Golden State Warriors star forward Kevin Durant and Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving are also on the Knicks wish list. As each day passes, the odds of them landing Durant and Irving are looking good. Both players seem to be unhappy with their current teams.
Acquiring both individuals is a goal the Brooklyn Nets. Throw the Los Angeles Clippers in there as well. So the competition for the Knicks in free agency is there. They’ll have a projected $74.5 million in cap space which is enough to land two superstar players.
If the Knicks do land two superstars, preferably Durant and Irving, things can get very interesting. The possibility of trading for New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis could be available, especially if the Knicks end up with a top three draft pick.
It’s no secret the New York Knicks are putting their chips on the table this summer. The question now is, “Will they finally get the stars that can turn things around?”
