As of Feb. 11, the New York Knicks own the NBA’s worst record, thus putting them in position to win the draft lottery. They have just a 14 percent chance to control the top pick, but can only fall as low as fifth in the order.
It’s the first year the NBA has experimented with smoothened draft odds. Teams have “tanked,” to increase their chances at the top pick of past selection shows, including the Philadelphia 76ers’ “The Process,” which netted Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, while also picking up Jahlil Okafor along the way.
This strategy doesn’t work for everyone, but the Knicks are likely to test it in June.