Hoops Habit
Fansided

NBA Power Rankings: Contenders or Pretenders?

ByMaxwell Ogden|
Jan 19, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) stands between Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16), guard Jimmy Butler (21), guard Derrick Rose (1) and forward Taj Gibson (22) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) stands between Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16), guard Jimmy Butler (21), guard Derrick Rose (1) and forward Taj Gibson (22) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
2 of 31
Jan 19, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) reacts in front of the team bench against the New Orleans Pelicans during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Pelicans 99-92. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) reacts in front of the team bench against the New Orleans Pelicans during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Pelicans 99-92. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

30. New York Knicks

Previous: No. 30

Record: 6-36

Last Week: 1-1

Verdict: Pretender

The New York Knicks have finally won a game! I repeat, the New York Knicks have finally won a game!

Even in what’s shaping up to be the worst season in franchise history, there’s a beacon of hope.

Unfortunately, that beacon of hope looks more like the No. 1 NBA Draft pick than the playoffs.

As was expected, Carmelo Anthony‘s return has elevated the Knicks to a more competitive level. Langston Galloway, meanwhile, has been one of the more pleasant surprises over the past few games as an undrafted rookie who’s anxious to make his mark.

There isn’t much star power left on the roster, but there’s a significant opportunity to develop young players. Even if those athletes aren’t high-profile, they have a chance to be valuable second unit contributors.

Regardless of what transpires, the Knicks have clearly turned their focus towards two events: free agency and the draft.

Next: Better Than Before