D'Antoni and Walsh have stated their focus is on being good this season, not snoozing until 2010. but that statement can be questioned.
The Knicks are currently in the 10th/11th pick slot, tied with the Bobcats. Tanking isn't really an option.
The Wizards, , Kings, Clippers, Thunder, Grizzlies and the Wolves without Jefferson are all just so bad that unless the Knicks lose nearly every game, they won't get into a good enough lottery position to make it worth it. The Knicks are a full 8.5 games ahead of the 3rd worst record in the NBA. And 4th worst for that matter since the Clippers/Thunder are tied there. Whereas they are 3.5 games behind the 8th seed.
So Tanking will not get us a low pick....especially vs the 10 lowest teams right now.
I think the Knicks will fall short of the playoffs and end up with a pick in the 12 to 16 range. While getting pick 8 to 9 would obviously be a nicer range, I think the young players will benefit more in the long run from working hard, being competitive, developing chemistry and really trying to be a good team that can be even better in the future.