frank ntilikina

Who should start for the New York Knicks this season?

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New York Knicks, David Fizdale

The New York Knicks have a lot of options when deciding their starting lineup.  For what we know now, Dennis Smith Jr., Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson are locks to start.  The other two spots are up for grabs.

There was a discussion, inside Empire Sports Media, about who would start between Kevin Knox and Marcus Morris.  It all depends on what type of system David Fizdale wants to run.  Taking the offensive attack and up-tempo, you go Knox.  A more defensive, gritty approach, Morris gets the nod.

If you were to start Morris over Knox, the final spot should go to RJ Barrett.  Barrett would be able to spread the floor and create his shot with Morris in the lineup.  Plus, Barrett is trying to prove the doubters wrong and help turn the Knicks around.  If Knox started, Daymean Dotson would be the preferred choice.  Dot would also spread the floor, while providing positives on both sides of the floor.  Dotson would be a upgrade in defense as compared to Barrett, for now.

You can even throw Frank Ntilikina in the fire to provide more lock down defending.  If the season does not go according to plan, Fizdale should consider starting Ntilikina since his play and confidence seems to be growing throughout the FIBA World Cup.

However, the most balanced Knicks starting lineup should consist of, Smith Jr., Ntilikina, Knox, Randle and Robinson.  Frank and Mitchell provide the elite defending on the floor, with the rest also holding their own.  Randle is the number one scoring option and Knox and Smith Jr. take the offensive leap everyone is hoping for.  The Knicks will have players to get points this season.  The area of concern is being able to sustain consistent defense from start to finish.

Some, well many, believe the Knicks are not going to be a good team this season.  When you really break it down, the Knicks have the foundations as a team to be very good and successful for years to come.  This could be the start of the come-up for the New York Knicks.

New York Knicks: Can Frank Ntilikina finally be the player the Knicks need him to be?

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New York Knicks, Frank Ntilikina

When the New York Knicks drafted French-born player Frank Ntilikina in the first round of the 2017 NBA draft, they expected him to be the future at the point guard position.

How has New York Knicks third-year player Frank Ntilikina looked so far in his professional career?

After two professional seasons, Ntilikina has averaged 5.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. In fact, he actually regressed from his rookie season. That is not what you want to see from a former first-round pick that has the future at the point guard position for the Knicks in his clutches. Due to his inadequacies, the Knicks elected to bring in Dennis Smith Jr. in a trade that also included the departure of Kristaps Porzingis.

However, Ntilikina has looked solid during the FIBA World Cup for France. Through two games, he has averaged 10 points, 2.5 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and two steals. He has helped France win both matches in the group stages, shooting 50% from the field and 66.7% from the three-point line. The statistics are extremely promising and could show progression for Frank moving forward.

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Several players on the French national team have praised the 21-year-old for his success thus far:

“Against Germany he had a big task with Andrew [Albicy] of guarding [Oklahoma City point guard] Dennis Schroder and he did a great job on him. And (against Jordan) he controlled the rhythm for us. He’s been great for us. He had two big shots to start the game and put pressure on defense, ran the team, shared the ball. That’s what we asked of him and he did good.”

Despite the young point guards in efficiency in regards to scoring production, his defensive abilities are a lead and serve a purpose for the next in specific scenarios. The issue is, they cannot trust him to put points on the board which will limit his usage and playing time.

Hopefully, his performance against the state of Jordan will translate over into the NBA this upcoming season. He recorded 12 points, five assists, five rebounds, three steals, and a block while shooting 3-for-5 from the fields, and 2-for-4 from three-point land.

Reality could strike Ntilikina this season, though. If he does not show he can be productive on both ends of the court, the likeliness of the Knicks letting him go next season grow exponentially. Rumors of him being moved prior to the trade deadline were plastered all over the news, and it seems like he was on the move for a few days. The fact that they retained him showed that there is still optimism he can develop into a meaningful player, even if it is backing up Smith Jr.

 

Ntilikina Is The Future for France, But What About The New York Knicks?

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New York Knicks, Frank Ntilikina

New York Knicks combo guard, Frank Ntilikina has been performing very well lately in FIBA. The 2017 New York Knick lottery pick has made 4-6 three-point field goals through two contests. French coach Vincent Collet trusted Ntilikina into the starting lineup after a teammate went down with an injury. Ntilikina is helping his French team tremendously on both ends of the court. Defensively he’s pressuring the ball and offensively he’s attacking more than usual. Ntilikina is also showing off his deep stroke. Confidence is pouring out of the Knicks second-year player. It’s beginning to look like all the hard work Frank been putting into his craft is finally showing on the big international stage. But will his confidence carry over to the other spotlight at MSG? Nicolas Batum has been giving praises towards Frank Ntilikina due to his recent signs of improvement. Batum states,

“He’s the future of the team. It’s great for him. Thomas Heurtel got hurt and now he has to put himself in a big spot to run this team. But he can do it. He has the talent and the personality to run this team and be great”.

The French teammates haven’t been facing the toughest competition as of late. However, Ntilikina will take any feel-good moment he can for his confidence. Building confidence comes with hard work and following through with the improved craft when it matters. The French Prince definitely has a future in FIBA French basketball. But, does he have a future with the New York Knicks? Yes, especially if the 21-year old continues showcasing his ability to knock down three-pointers and lockdown his opponent on the other end of the court. I’m pretty sure David Fizdale will be tuning in to these FIBA French matchups too see how French coach Vincent Collet uses Ntilikina on the basketball court.

New York Knicks: The state of Frank Ntilikina

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New York Knicks, Frnak Ntilikina

Frank Ntilikina has been a big topic of conversation for the New York Knicks.  He has been in-between positions his entire NBA career and has not given a real chance.

Recently, Ntilikina has participating in the FIBA World Cup basketball tournament for his home country, France.  He has received praise for his ‘skill-set’ from his coach and teammates.

In group play, Ntilikina has averaged 9.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.  These numbers are not stellar, but it is the type of consistency and start that Ntilikina needs.

He appears to be very comfortable in theFrance system.  Their head coach, Vincent Collet, has complimented Ntilikna on his aggressiveness and avoiding hesitation.  Collet believes in Ntilikina’s ability and it appears to be paying dividends as he trends upward.  That is what the Knicks and David Fizdale need to do.

In France’s game against Jordan, Ntilkina appeared to be very confident in his shot.  That is something that all Knicks fan want him to improve, along with his aggressiveness.  His stroke looked smooth and there was no hesitation to shoot when getting the ball.  Ntilikina was also continues to make it difficult for his opponents with his defense.

The confidence, aggressiveness and, overall, growth that Ntilkina is receiving in the FIBA World Cup is something that the Knicks can build on.  The Knicks have had trouble finding how he fits in their system.  Fizdale needs to take a look at his play throughout the tournament and coach him towards his strengths.

Every other point guard that has been in the Knicks system the last few seasons has got a legitimate shot.  Why not Ntilikina now?  He is still growing, developing, getting stronger and trying to become the NBA player that his France coach and teammates currently see.

Through the World Cup, Ntilikina needs to use the confidence he is gaining in his game towards a shot at becoming a vital role player for the Knicks.  As it seems now, all of the work he has been putting forth on his game has been paying off.

The Knicks only have until this Halloween to pick up his $6.2 million option for next season for he becomes a unrestricted free-agent.

New York Knicks: Ranking the point guards on the roster

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New York Knicks, Dennis Smith Jr.

While it seems the New York Knicks have instilled their faith in Dennis Smith Jr. for the 2019-20 season, I wouldn’t be so sure moving forward. Reports have made compelling arguments new veteran signing Elfrid Payton could emerge as the starter.

Smith Jr. has worked this off-season to improve his jump shot and potential scoring efficiency, something he has struggled with during his first two seasons in the NBA. With training camp just one month away, the Knicks are preparing to situate their starting five on the roster and what point guard will ultimately earn the most playing time.

Here is how we rank the point guards for the New York Knicks:

1.) Elfrid Payton

While Dennis has elite athleticism, Payton is the more efficient point guard in nearly every category. Compared to Smith’s 2.8 rebounds per game last season, Elfrid earned 5.3.

Also, Smith has never averaged over 5.2 assists in a season, while Payton has never fallen below 6.2 per game and his five-year NBA career. Comparing the two side-by-side, Smith is a bit more versed in scoring, but that is likely due to his mentality and desire to attack the rim.

Payton is a more patient point guard that looks to expand the floor and move the ball around. That makes him a bit more valuable for the Knicks this upcoming season unless Smith can prove that he is a more well-rounded player and is willing to operate as a traditional point guard.

2.) Dennis Smith Jr.

Head coach David Fizdale may elect to stick with Smith moving forward as the starter. He is the younger option in regards to Alfred Payton, which is likely why the Knicks want him on the floor and gaining experience. They view him as the future at the position for the team, making him even more valuable. Payton can necessarily be his mentor and help him develop this upcoming season. Increasing his rebounding and assist totals will be a priority for him. Also, his jump shot in field-goal efficiency will be a focal point.

3.) Frank Ntilikina

The disappointing story of Frank Ntilikina is ultimately winding down to a close. The French point guard has struggled to leave his mark on the NBA with inadequate scoring production, averaging just 5.9 points per game in his two-year NBA career. Additionally, he averages fewer rebounds per game than Smith and significantly fewer assists. He’s a very talented defender, which makes him a scenario-centric play, but he cannot be trusted to put points on the board with regular minutes.

New York Knicks: Will the FIBA Help Ntilikina the Same Way it Helped Porzingis?

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New York Knicks, Frank Ntilikina

The International Basketball Federation is where New York Knicks’ Frank Ntilikina is currently improving his game before the season starts. It’s an opportunity to fine tune the craft before the rugged 82 game NBA season. If a player plays his cards right during the offseason, which includes playing in a professional atmosphere similar to the NBA, improvements most likely will be noticeable once training camp comes around. Former Knick Kristaps Porzingis definitely benefited from FIBA. The sharp shooting power forward and center used FIBA to improve his leadership skills and it showed on the court the following season before it got cut short with that terrible ACL season ending injury. Will Frank Ntilikina come into training camp healthy and with a renewed confidence and swagger? Will Ntilikina’s jump shot improve so much that you can’t leave him open behind the arc?

It’s very possible we might see something we’ve never seen before which is the real unfiltered Frank Ntilikina. This is basically a Ntilikina without injuries, however, improved, more confident, and decisive on the offensive end. This would be an awesome example of hard work and game film studying paying off and exuding itself through the player’s style of play and aura on the basketball court. Ntilikina’s jump shot is definitely the key for the young man. His jumper needs to start falling so he can be part of the rotation. If Ntilikina’s shot begins to fall and he’s suddenly part of the rotation, the New York Knicks defense would level up instantly. Defense has always been Ntilikina’s strong point especially when healthy. The 6’6″ tall 7’0″ wingspan combo guard makes it extremely difficult for opposing point guards and even shooting guards due to his active hands in passing lanes and his impressively high basketball defensive IQ.

It’s clear Frank Ntilikina is a glue type player still finding his niche on this Knicks roster. This current roster needs glue guys and role players like Ntilikina, Taj Gibson, Elfrid Payton, Wayne Ellington, and Reggie Bullock. These kinds of players take the pressure off the star player in Julius Randle and provide necessary depth to compete at a high level.

David Fizdale has his work cut out in training camp and even in the preseason when it comes to figuring out how to use Frank Ntilikina. He might have to watch and gain ideas from the French FIBA basketball coach Vincent Collet. However, Frank Ntilikina can make it easy on Fizdale’s decision by hitting his shots, finishing strong at the rim, getting to the free-throw line, playing in attack mode, and being less tentative on offense.

New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina’s impressive defensive rating in France

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New York Knicks, Frank Ntilikina

New York Knicks point guard Frank Ntilikina is steadily improving his overall game overseas with France in five preparation games before they begin competing for medals.

Ntilikina so far has an impressive defensive rating of 66.1 in five preparation games. From the looks of it, Ntilikina is adapting and gaining confidence with his teammates. Rudy Gobert and Nicolas Batum rave about the talent Ntilikina possesses. It’s just a matter of grooming his game and putting everything together. He has the early makings of a solid two-way glue player for the Knicks moving forward.

Even though the game is played slightly different overseas, this kind of experience for Frank is priceless. This is what Ntilikina needs the most, and that is reps and playing time, plus it doesn’t hurt playing with actual NBA vets on the French team.

This opportunity also displays how the French coach uses Frank Ntilikina in different basketball situations. If you’re curious about how Frank is used with the French team, you should watch the highlights.

Ntilikina is playing superb basketball in France, either he is getting steals, deflections and taking charges, or offensively setting the table for teammates. He’s playing high IQ basketball, and it’s leading to wins so far for the French team. Can Ntilikina bring this style of playback to New York? That remains to be seen, ladies and gentlemen.

New York Knicks: How Can Frank Ntilikina Save Himself This Season?

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New York Knicks, Frank Ntilikina

Frank Ntilikina was Phil Jackson’s final stab to the stomach of the New York Knicks organization when he was selected eighth in the 2017 NBA draft over current Knicks point guard Dennis Smith Jr. Ntilikina immediately dealt with injury woes which made him unavailable for summer league during the 2017 offseason.

However, Ntilikina eventually cracked Jeff Hornacek’s rotation once he got healthy early that season as the backup point guard for Jarrett Jack. The former SIG Strasbourg guard quickly began showing his strengths on the defensive end and began winning the hearts of Knick fans who have a serious thirst for players with a defense-first mindset. Frank Ntilikina definitely proved he has that mindset of a defensive disruptor with a very high defensive IQ for a guard so early in his career.

The rare style which Frank Ntilikina possesses got Knick fans either very hot or very cold on the young 20-year-old prospect from France.

It’s very rare for a player to be drafted at the age of 19 and have exceptional basketball IQ on defense, yet offensively the first round lottery pick seemed raw and tentative. Could it be a lack of confidence on offense? Does Ntilikina need more reps on his jump-shot and finishing ability around the rim?

Absolutely, and working in the gym on his conditioning and craft is exactly how Frank Ntilikina can save himself this season. He also needs to become even more aggressive in terms of physicality on defense and fearless on offense. If he saves himself this season, he possibly can save his entire career, especially since the New York Knicks hold the 2020 option in their hands.

One trait about Ntilikina many around him mention is his work ethic and desire to learn the game of basketball. Some say Ntilikina is a student of the game. Ntilikina appreciates the play of Tony Allen by retweeting it late July.

Can Fizdale’s bring the dog out of Ntilikina in training camp? If Fizdale can’t, I think the new additions in Bobby Portis, Marcus Morris, Taj Gibson, Julius Randle, Elfrid Payton, and even RJ Barrett will light a fighting fire under Ntilikina.

New York Knicks: Dennis Smith Jr. shows what he’s been doing this off-season (VIDEO)

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New York Knicks, Dennis Smith Jr.

The New York Knicks are putting a lot of trust and faith in third-year point guard Dennis Smith Jr. He’s an exciting athlete that is capable of magnificent dunks and game-changing plays, but his inconsistencies have hurt him and his potential the last two years.

Dennis has averaged just 14.5 points per game since his inception in 2017, actually seeing his averages decline after his rookie season. However, he will be the point guard for the Knicks moving forward.

Signing veteran PG Elfrid Payton and retaining third-year option Frank Ntilikina has given the Knicks a trio of inconsistent but capable point guards. Each one has their strengths, but Smith Jr. offers the most in terms of production and defensive quality. We have seen him take over games and show flashes of elite play, but making it a more frequent occurrence is the trick.

Dennis has worked this off-season tirelessly in Tarrytown, NY to refine his jump shot and perimeter shooting efficiency.

Aside from the fundamentals he has been developing, he has worked to strengthen his core and other muscle group things to avoid injury. Injuries have hurt his progression and consistency in the NBA. Working on his stamina and strengthening his body as a whole should help him avoid picking up ailments that can hurt his flow and rhythm next season.

While Smith Jr. isn’t the biggest player in the league and doesn’t have popping muscles, he’s incredibly athletic and quick on his feet. The physical traits he has gives him an advantage over other point guards, especially stiff ones like Ntilikina. Moving forward, I fully expect him to take a big developmental jump, but the priority is his health and ensuring he can handle a full workload.

New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina is running out of chances to prove his worth

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New York Knicks, Frank Ntilikina

The New York Knicks were engaged in plenty of free agency rumors in regards to potential signings this offseason, but one player, in particular, was being shopped for draft picks.

The Knicks 2017 first-round pick has struggled immensely in the NBA since his inception. He has averaged 5.9 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game over two seasons. However, at just 21 years old, there is plenty of optimism surrounding the French-born player.

Ntilikina has been no stranger to rumors this off-season, as the Knicks were asking for draft picks in return for the elite defender. Ideally, they would have earned a first or second-round selection, but his struggles have lowered his value exponentially.

Are the New York Knicks done giving Frank Ntilikina chances?

One factor to consider when looking at Frank’s numbers is the groin injuries he has dealt with which have certainly hindered his ability on the offensive side of the ball.

His weak jump shot and perimeter game have forced more challenges upon the young point guard. While his offense has been horrendous, his defense is one of the strong points of his game. Unfortunately, quality players at the professional level are capable of playing both sides of the ball. The Knicks didn’t hesitate to bring in more point guard depth this off-season, signing Elfrid Payton, formerly of the New Orleans Pelicans.

The expected starter for the 2019-20 season is Dennis Smith Jr. Payton is expected to be the reserve option behind Smith Jr., while Ntilikina sits in the number three spot.

Frank must show a new side of himself if he wishes to earn more minutes on the floor. Increasing his aggressiveness towards the hoop and developing a more consistent jump shot are two parts of his game, he must elevate.

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Adding even more veteran depth in Bobby Portis, Taj Gibson, Marcus Morris, and Reggie Bullock provide the Knicks with plenty of options to play. The third-year player could be buried on the roster and only play minimal minutes for his defensive qualities. In other words, his chances are dwindling, and he needs to take it vantage of what could be his final opportunity to prove his worth.