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2019-20 NBA season: Record predictions for every team

By Christopher Kline

PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks
Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images /

New York Knicks

Oh, New York. I feel bad for Stephen A. Smith. It’s tough. Premature optimism, almost periodically followed by immense disappointment. The New York Knicks are in a seemingly unescapable rut, and there’s no clear answer in the short term.

Heading into 2019-20, the Knicks shouldn’t project as more than a bottom-dwelling team in the East. The front office handed out several big contracts after whiffing on Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but the fit of those big contracts is less than ideal. There are roughly 27 power forwards on the roster.

The Knicks’ frontcourt is a mess, even more so than the franchise itself. Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle are clear starters, but Kevin Knox is most comfortable at the four. Marcus Morris can play the three, but with Knox and RJ Barrett, might not get the chance. Taj Gibson. Bobby Portis. The Knicks’ allocation of resources, even on a short-term basis, isn’t helping much.

With a few more veterans scattered about, perhaps New York makes a few strides over last season. It’s clear the Knicks want to compete. They want to begin a steady climb upward. But until a first-round pick hits (or a star free agent signs), the Knicks will tread water in the Eastern Conference cellar.

The main storyline this season is Barrett’s development. The No. 3 overall pick struggled in Vegas, but he has the most polished resume of any prospect who attended American high school. He has produced at a high level for a long, long time, and he has NBA genes in the family. His tough, physical approach could aid his transition against professional athletes.

Knox’s development is also worth watching. He was putrid as a rookie, shooting below 40 percent from the field, but his physical tools and skill set have some appeal. He’s still a talented shooter who can score in bursts at all three levels. If he puts the pieces together on defense, things will look up.

Final prediction: 25-57, Miss NBA Playoffs