NBA: Way-too-early Eastern Conference predictions for 2017-18

BOSTON, MA - MAY 25: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers heads for the net as Terry Rozier #12 and Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics defend in the first half during Game Five of the 2017 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 25, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 27: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks heads for the net as Jon Leuer #30 of the Detroit Pistons defends at Madison Square Garden on March 27, 2017 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /

13. New York Knicks

X-Factor: Kristaps Porzingis

New York, New York. Much to love about the city, not so much the Knicks last season. With a new President/GM pairing of Steve Mills and Scott Perry, the Knicks could see a more positive trend under a more cohesive leadership. Their first course of action must be to get rid of Carmelo Anthony, though.

The longer he stays, the higher the chance of stunting the growth of players like Kristaps Porzingis and Frank Ntilikina.

Their two young foreign prospects are surrounded by Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee, Lance Thomas, Joakim Noah, and Willy Hernangomez. Head coach Jeff Hornacek does have a tough hill to climb, but that will be easier to scale without having to play in the triangle offense. Look for Kristaps to put up more even better stats than his past season with Melo’s departure.

Final Record: 30-52

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