The Knicks like Karl-Anthony Towns. Karl-Anthony Towns likes the Knicks. But neither party can control what happens in the Draft on June 25.

Towns, who grew up in New Jersey, is a big Knicks fan, and figures to be a top-two pick on Draft night.

In an interview with Marc Berman of the New York Post, Towns raved about Phil Jackson, and said that he would love to play for his favorite team:

“It’s his presence,” Towns said of Jackson. “What he means to me, his presence is just amazing. What was so awesome as a coach, he made every player better and put them in the best position to succeed. He’s just so smart and intelligent and has so much experience. He knows how to win. At the end of the day, what every player wants to do is win.”

“If I have the opportunity to ever play for the Knicks, that’s what I would love to do.’’

The 19 year-old could get that opportunity very soon. The Knicks had the second-worst record in the NBA this season.

But due to the lottery, getting a shot at Kentucky’s center is no sure thing.

The Knicks have a 19.9 % chance at the top pick, an 18.8 % chance at the second pick (38.7 % of being top-two), a 17.1 % chance at the third pick (55.8 % top-three), a 31.9 % chance at the fourth pick (87.7 % top-four), and a 12.3 % chance at the fifth pick (100% top-five).

The Draft order will be determined in the Draft Lottery on May 19. -Tommy Rothman

(Here’s a picture of Towns with Knicks star Carmelo Anthony)