Zion Williamson would be immediate hit with Knicks, says Lance Thomas

Tom Webber

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Zion Williamson would be immediate hit with Knicks, says Lance Thomas image

Projected No. 1 NBA Draft pick Zion Williamson would be welcomed on the Knicks with open arms by Lance Thomas.

New York has a 14 percent chance of getting the first overall pick in Tuesday's NBA Draft lottery, having finished the season at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and with a 17-65 record — the worst in the league.

Thomas, who signed a four-year deal with the Knicks in 2016, has no doubt Williamson will be an instant hit if he ends up starting his NBA career at Madison Square Garden.

"I would love to see him at the Knicks if we're able to get him as a pick, but, if not, we'll be happy with whoever we get," Thomas told Omnisport. "The fans would love him instantly. He'd immediately have a big fan base, following there, especially in New York."

Williamson is expected to be selected first in this year's draft after an incredible freshman season with Duke.

The explosive teenage forward was named ACC Player of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year, while also winning the Naismith Trophy and the Wooden Award after averaging 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.8 blocks for the Blue Devils in 2018-19.

"He's an amazing talent," Thomas said. "He's probably one of the best athletes I've ever seen on the court. He's very vocal and passionate, so the sky is the limit for that kid. He affects the game. He's so athletic, he just affects the game in so many ways.

"When you're that athletic and physically gifted you're going to have an impact on the game regardless.

"Of course, he's going to learn more and grow each year, but I think coming in it'll be a better transition for him because the guys you are playing against at this level will be a lot stronger, the paint's bigger so he actually has more space to operate."

The Knicks are also expected to make big moves in free agency during the offseason, with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving said to be among their targets.

 

Tom Webber