The New York Knicks were finally able to snap a nine-game losing skid by beating the Charlotte Hornets by 23 points on Saturday night, making it only their second win in the last 19 games. It's been a woeful run for the Big Apple squad as they near season's end.
Veterans like Enes Kanter have grown tired of losing and getting fewer minutes, while young players like Trey Burke have much to prove with this opportunity for increased playing time, which hasn't made the losses any less frustrating.
The concept of tanking is largely misunderstood, as it's often the front office who takes care of that aspect, rather than the coaches or the players — who are all competitors by nature.
“It bothers me, but I understand,” Burke said, addressing the idea that the Knicks are tanking for better positioning in the NBA Draft Lottery, according to Al Iannazzone of Newsday. “From a fan’s standpoint, I understand. But from a player’s standpoint, they have to understand as well. That’s all I ask of them. I ask the fans to understand our standpoint, too. Do you all want us to go out there and to look bad, to look like bums? They might say we already look like bums. Whatever they say.”
Burke has relished this opportunity, putting up 10.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game since the start of March — efforts that have revitalized his career as a player, but come at the cost of some losses.
“That’s not in my DNA to go out there and lose,” Burke added. “I don’t know how to play like that. I’ve never been taught how to play like that. We go out there, we got families. We’re not only playing for the organization, playing for the city, we’re playing for our families as well. I just don’t know how to do that.”
Assessing who plays or doesn't, who is shut down, as well as playing guys out of position are some of the most common ways to passively tank throughout the season, giving the roster at hand, the smallest chance to come out on top.
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