NBA Hope Index: How far is each team from a ring heading into 2017-18?

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WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 17: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks looks on against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center on November 17, 2016 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

20. New York Knicks

If only the Knicks were a normal organization. If only they could get out of there own way for ten solid minutes. If only they figured out how to parlay the inherent advantage they’ve been blessed with into cogent, sustainable team building, they’d be in the top ten here, easy. If only, if only, if only.

They have a future superstar barely old enough to drink, and two other All-Rookie First Teamers from the past four years. Their young lottery pick looks promising. They play games at the Mecca of Basketball in one of the few glamour destinations in the NBA. Depending on what they get back when they eventually trade their aging star, they could have max cap space next summer.

But alas, they are…the Knicks. James Dolan – bless his soul – thought that hiring arguably the most brilliant basketball mind of the last 30 years would finally do the trick. Apparently running an entire organization is not the ideal first time job for a seventy year old man.

As laughable as last year’s tomfoolery was, Scott Perry’s arrival brings with it the promise of competence and normalcy. Those alone, added to Porzingis, give them a better shot than everyone below them here.

Path to Glory: Have KP lead all traditional bigs in usage rate and unleash the full array of his talents while letting Ntilikina learn on the job, land Luca Doncic as the final piece to the Euro-puzzle, and stretch Joakim Noah when the next big free agent comes calling. Never, ever let James Dolan or Steve Mills near the phone.

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