New York Knicks fans suffer another night of disappointment

New York Knicks fans continue to struggle through the reality of once again missing out on the top overall NBA Draft pick.

It may quite possibly be the toughest and most entertaining job in sports, being a fan of the New York Knicks. The ever hopeful Knicks approached the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery this past Monday with top pick odds of 14 percent, the same as Phoenix and Cleveland.

The possibility of securing the top pick and essentially a franchise player for years to come had many Knicks fans huddled around television sets in bars and restaurants for the annual presentation.

“Zion Williamson” was trending on social media more than the actual event, as it’s no secret he will be the top selection in June barring something unpredictably drastic. At 6-7 weighing well over 270 pounds, he dominated the collegiate game in his lone season at Duke University with an array of incredible versatile plays on both sides of the ball.

Knicks fans watched a dismal season pass by with the team winning a league-low 17 games in an apparent “Tank” mode for a top pick. The big night was here and millions tuned in from everywhere to see the league’s fate possibly change based on the marked lottery ping-pong balls.

I was on hand for the local Knicks crowd reactions at Clyde’s Wine and Dine in Midtown Manhattan. The restaurant is owned by famous Knicks champion Walt “Clyde” Frazier as it served more than food that night with the added drama of the lottery.

Fans in attendance were overjoyed at the surprise movements leaving the Knicks in the top four along with the Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans. The odds almost seemed completely in New York’s favor heading into the commercial break.

As the national broadcast continued, the restaurant was filled with Knicks chants as well as praise for legendary star Patrick Ewing, who represented the franchise at the podium. The joy didn’t last long, Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum calmly revealed the Knicks fate when he opened the envelope for the third pick in this June’s draft.

New Orleans emerged victorious sparking celebrations in “The Big Easy” and quite the opposite in New York City. It was another year and another moment of shock for New York Knicks fans. They are once again forced to pick themselves up and focus on the prospects in front of them.

Another Duke player, RJ Barrett has become the consensus choice for many draft experts and his connection with Zion will only push him to be an extremely motivated professional out to prove he isn’t to be overlooked.

The disappointment of not getting what you originally wanted is common in life. It’s become an all too natural a feeling for Knicks fans. Next month fans should embrace the newest Knicks rookie regardless of who it is and continue to build towards free agency.