CHICAGO — The Knicks brought back Patrick Ewing to sit on the dais, not only recalling the last true stroke of luck — or conspiracy — from the very first NBA Draft Lottery 34 years earlier, but also appeasing the basketball gods by making peace with the last link to greatness on the court for the franchise.
But even that wasn’t enough to change the Knicks’ fortunes. After slogging through an NBA-worst 17-65 season, matching the worst season in franchise history, raising hopes that it would all lead to Zion Williamson coming to Madison Square Garden and inspiring all sorts of slogans — Tryin’ for Zion, Crying for Zion — the Knicks could not win the battle of the ping-pong balls, falling to third in the upcoming NBA Draft.