WILL LEON GET LUCKY?

Rose to learn Knicks’ draft fate tonight

The NBA has downplayed Thursday’s first virtual draft lottery since it won’t have all the bells, whistles and the usual full transparency because of COVID-19 safety measures.

But it’s a bigger-than-ever night for the Knicks and their rookie president, Leon Rose, who will represent the club on the lottery “dais’’ via Zoom. “Lucky Leon,’’ who will carry a good-luck charm, will finally find out if he will be positioned to select the top point guard on their board, LaMelo Ball.

COVID-19 hasn’t changed the odds — just the date of the lottery and draft day (Oct. 16). Seeded sixth, the Knicks have a 9 percent chance of winning the lottery and 27.6 percent chance of moving up to the top three.

Ball is expected to be a top-three pick, likely battling with Georgia shooting guard Anthony Edwards and Memphis big man James Wiseman. Ball and Edwards will appear on the ESPN telecast, which starts at 8:30 p.m.

The Post has reported Ball’s preference is New York and his handlers are not averse to steering him there. Father Lavar Ball already stated the Knicks are the top choice.

“I’ll be very comfortable in making the call,’’ Rose said in an MSG Network interview in late June.

The Knicks could just as easily fall back. At that point, the Knicks could pull a draft-night trade and move back further to collect more assets in what is seen as an equitable draft.

In fact, the greater probability has the Knicks not moving up. They have a 62.8 percent chance of picking between 6-10. That would put point guard and Manhattan product Cole Anthony in play, as the Knicks’ preference is for a scoring point guard.

“It’s interesting, this draft, a couple of guys stand out, and after that, there’s a lot of equality,’’ Rose said. “I think there’s a lot of guys that are close with different skill sets, different positives, different negatives. It’s funny, each scout, there’s varying opinions. A lot more varying opinions than in past years.”

The proceedings will take place in Secaucus, N.J., instead of a lavish Chicago hotel ballroom because of the pandemic. The results will be read by deputy commissioner Mark Tatum.

Shortly prior to the unveiling, the pingpong balls will roll in a separate room. Normally, a representative for each of the 14 lottery teams and select media invitees would be on hand as witnesses. To limit travel and maintain social distancing protocols, that won’t take place this time.

According to the NBA, the only people in the room for the drawing will be “a media member, NBA officials and representatives of the accounting firm of Ernst & Young.’’

The Knicks, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2013, have been mainstays in the lottery but have had little ping-pong luck the past few years after winning the first lotto in 1985. Striking out on the dais have been legends Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier and Allan Houston, and executives Scott Perry and Steve Mills.

The Knicks opted against choosing a player such as RJ Barrett to represent them Thursday. Stephen Curry (Golden State), D’Aaron Fox (Sacramento), D’Angelo Russell (Minnesota), Rui Hachimura (Washington) and Devonte’ Graham (Charlotte) are the lone player reps.

Rose was on the other side of the table last lottery as one of the game’s top agents. Now

he’s surrounded himself with a handful of new college scouts.

Though the Knicks’ top college scout, Gerald Madkins, and personnel director, Harold Ellis, have left the organization, Rose still has GM Scott Perry for the time being (his name has floated as a candidate to return to Sacramento). Rose has added top college scout Walter Perrin from the Jazz and a growing collection of analytics department staffers.

“We’ve reviewed a ton of film,’’ Rose said. “We’ve Zoomed interviews with prospects for the draft. We obviously missed out on an NCAA Tournament and don’t know what’s going to be for a combine. We’re going to make the most of it. Now we have a lot more time to prepare.’’

The postponed draft combine will likely be a virtual event despite internal talks of a live — albeit downsized — one in September. The Knicks have three picks in the top 38. Thursday, they find out how valuable their best one is.

AP (5); Getty Images PG LaMelo Ball: There is no greater risk-reward prospect in the draft. The electric 6-foot-7 playmaker has the athletic talent to become an All-Star and difference-maker in a draft lacking them. However, he’s been a poor 3-point shooter — not unlike his brother Lonzo — and his defensive intensity was suspect in Australia. Plus, an unhappy Lavar Ball can tear apart a franchise. Knicks president Leon Rose is all about upside and star power. Rose formerly represented the Ball Brothers.

SG Anthony Edwards: If the Knicks rise into the top three and can’t get Ball, the Georgia shooting guard has appeal as another risk-reward potential star. He’s got a great body and elite athleticism but struggles with his outside shot (40.6 field-goal percentage). He’s a raw freight train who can excel in an uptempo system and is a great leaper. Edwards’ fit with perimetershootingchallenged RJ Barrett isn’t perfect.

PG Cole Anthony: Despite a poor freshman season at North Carolina, the New York product has the potential to be a breakout scoring point guard and would love a chance to suit up for the hometown team. Greg Anthony’s son would become the face of the franchise, but scouts are divided on whether he can ever be a true point guard.

SF/PF Deni Avdija: Potentially the first Israeli lottery pick, he is a twoway forward who can pass, defend and shoot from the outside, but at 19 may face a large learning curve despite being a standout on Maccabi Tel Aviv.

PG Tyrese Haliburton: If Rose is as fanatical about drafting a point guard as predecessor Steve Mills, Iowa State’s Haliburton will be considered. He checks a lot of boxes — a solid 3-point shooter with high basketball IQ and size — but is not explosive.

LEON ROSE

PG Killian Hayes: The Knicks have already “Zoomed’’ with the German League standout who grew up in France, according to a French media outlet. The lefty playmaker is originally from the U.S. but can speak French with Frank Ntilikina. The 19-year-old is a project but creative with good vision — smooth in all areas. PG Tyrese Maxey: The Kentucky combo guard comes with a rave review in The Post from new assistant coach Kenny Payne. Despite being slightly undersized, Maxey could turn into a scoring dynamo and tenacious defender. Might be the sleeper. — Marc Berman