frank ntilikina

Trade Rumor: Knicks offer for Chris Paul include Kevin Knox, Frank Ntilikina

by
New York Knicks, chris paul

The New York Knicks are reportedly preparing a trade package centered on two of their young players plus assets in their bid to land Oklahoma City Thunder’s All-Star point guard Chris Paul.

Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson of Heavy.com reported that the Knicks have initially lined up Kevin Knox and Frank Ntilikina, the 2021 first-round pick from Dallas Mavericks, the 2021 second-round pick from Charlotte Hornets plus Elfrid Payton and Bobby Portis as salary fillers.

While this is an underwhelming package compared to what Oklahoma City has received in the Paul George trade, the expiring deals of both Payton and Portis will give the Thunder the cap relief they are seeking.  On top of that, they will also have two former lottery picks to add to their young core and extra Draft capital.

The Knicks’ front office, led by Paul’s former agent Leon Rose, view the 10-time All-Star as a culture-builder, according to SNY’s Ian Begley.

Even at 35, Paul managed to show he’s still one of the top point guards in the league after leading the young Thunder core to 44 wins and went one play away from advancing to the second round of the playoffs.

Paul’s remaining $85-million salary and injury history comes with a risk. But it is a gamble the Knicks are reportedly willing to take to fast-track their rebuild.

If Paul moves to New York, he is expected to mentor Dennis Smith, Jr. the same way he did to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Oklahoma.

The Knicks, however, will face stiff competition for Paul’s services from several playoff contenders. The list include the Milwaukee Bucks, who are facing mounting pressure to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo following another dismal playoff exit.  The ownership promised Antetokounmpo that they are willing to go over the luxury tax to surround him with a championship-caliber cast.  The reigning MVP has Paul in his wishlist.

And it seems the feeling is mutual.

It is an open secret around the league that Paul’s stay in Oklahoma City will be short-lived when he was traded from the Houston Rockets. And as early as last year, the veteran guard has been linked to the Bucks.

“I had heard he wanted to go to Milwaukee,” The Ringer’s Ryen Russillo said on Adrian Wojnarowski’s The Woj Pod. “Of course you’d want to go play with Giannis.”

In a video posted following their Bubble exit, Paul said Thunder GM Sam Presti was straightforward since Day One and that he doesn’t know what the future holds. It’s an ominous sign that he may have played his last game as a Thunder.

Presti has a history of working out favorable trade destinations for their stars in Oklahoma with George going to the Los Angeles Clippers and Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets. It remains to be seen if Paul would request the same, but it is the most logical thing to do at this stage of his career.

Knicks’ Tom Thibodeau was ‘enamored’ with Dennis Smith Jr. in 2017 draft process (Report)

by
New York Knicks, Dennis Smith Jr.

Point guard Dennis Smith Jr., who was selected by the Dallas Mavericks with the ninth pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, is one of many individuals on the New York Knicks playing on a rookie deal. The Knicks acquired Smith as part of their return on Kristaps Porzingis from the Mavericks in January 2019.

According to SNY’s Ian Begley, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau, the president and head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves in June 2017, was “enamored” with Smith coming out of college.

“Something worth noting on the workouts: Thibodeau and others with the Timberwolves at the time were enamored with Dennis Smith Jr. coming out of college, sources say. Thibodeau and others from the organization attended Smith Jr.’s private pre-draft workout.”

Smith played one season at NC State. The Timberwolves made a draft night trade with the Chicago Bulls for Jimmy Butler. Minnesota swapped first-round picks with Chicago in the trade, going from seven to 16; Smith wasn’t on the board when the T-Wolves were on the clock. Meanwhile, the Knicks selected French point guard Frank Ntilikina with the eighth pick.

Smith held his own in the second half of 2019 with the Knicks, averaging 14.7 points, 5.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 41.3 percent from the field.

Last season was a setback for the point guard. He was a primary reserve and logged a career-low 15.8 minutes per contest across 34 games, three of which he started. Smith averaged 5.5 points, 2.9 assists and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 34.1 percent from the field.

Knicks president Leon Rose called Smith “a special talent” in a June interview with MSG Networks. Their point guard depth chart includes Smith, Ntilikina and Jared Harper; veteran Elfrid Payton has an $8 million team option for the 2020-21 NBA season.

New York has been linked to a handful of potential lottery guards in the upcoming NBA Draft including RJ Hampton, Killian Hayes and UNC’s Cole Anthony. The Knicks have three draft picks: their own first and second-round pick (8, 37) and the Los Angeles Clippers’ first rounder (27).

New York Knicks: Tom Thibodeau praises team’s young core

by
New York Knicks, RJ Barrett

The New York Knicks announced on Thursday morning that they hired Tom Thibodeau to be their new head coach.

In his introductory press conference, Thibodeau expressed optimism about youngsters RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson (quotes per Marc Berman of the New York Post).

“I want to get around the players to work with them and get to know them better,” Thibodeau said. “Based on film, I really think RJ has a very bright future as does Mitchell Robinson. Those are two who stand out. But we have a lot of young talent. I don’t like to make qualifications on people until I get around them.”

The Knicks selected Barrett with the third pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Duke University. Across 56 games, 55 of which were starts in his rookie season the wing averaged 14.3 points, five rebounds, 2.6 assists, and one steal per game. Robinson, who the Knicks selected with the 36th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, averaged 9.7 points, seven rebounds and two blocks per game while shooting an NBA-record 74.2 percent from the field last season.

Thibodeau feels that Frank Ntilikina and Kevin Knox, who are each former first-round draft picks of the organization, are “young guys that have talent.”

“With Frank and Kevin, they’re both young guys that have talent,” Thibodeau said. “That being said, I’m not making any real observations until I get to be around them. Like most young players, there are growing pains you go through and there’s steps players have to take. Sometimes we measure guys against guys already established and you forget the steps those guys have to take to get to where they are. It’s an important part of it. Understand how you get there is work, sacrifice and commitment. One’s determination and perseverance is critical to their development.”

Ntilikina and Knox have been in and out of the Knicks starting lineup over their respective NBA careers. For his career, Ntilikina is averaging six points, 3.1 assists and 2.2 rebounds per game, whereas Knox is averaging 9.9 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.

Thibodeau is the 31st head coach in franchise history. He takes over after the team fired David Fizdale in December 2019 and finished the season with interim Mike Miller. President Steve Mills was fired in February and replaced by former agent Leon Rose.

Under Rose, the Knicks have made a slew of front-office maneuvers which include hiring William Wesley (executive vice president/senior basketball advisor) and Walt Perrin (assistant general manager) and retaining Scott Perry as general manager.

New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina on the rise again as Leon Rose sparks change

by
New York Knicks, Frank Ntilikina

The story of New York Knicks‘ point guard Frank Ntilikina is an ongoing one. From trade rumors to future of the franchise narratives being placed on his shoulders every off-season, 2020 holds a more optimistic tale.

With new general manager Leon Rose taking over executive duties, the future of the Knicks is in question.

How they look next season, will they be active in the trade market, will they land LaMelo Ball? These are all questions they will face in the coming months, but one thing will remain constant, Ntilikina will once again be relied on.

Marc Berman of the New York Post believes point guard Frank Ntilikina will be a ‘valuable piece’ on Leon Rose’s team.

Three consecutive seasons of disappointing play has forced the Knicks to reconsider the point guard position. They signed Elfrid Payton to supplement Frank’s deficiencies, and now they are heavily rumored to target Ball in the 2021 NBA draft. Given the Knicks manage to land a good lottery pick, the expectation is that they will land the sharpshooting point guard.

However, there’s a long way between now and then. Ntilikina actually left Rose as his agent several years ago, and now things have come full circle.

To mend the bad blood, New York Knicks’ GM Rose spoke only positive things about Frank, and the player reciprocated:

Rose said that Ntilikina can “really prosper” in the right situation, according to MSG.

“I know Leon — very professional in what he does. He’s a good guy. We can trust him, I think,” Ntilikina told reporters in March. “We all want what’s the best for the team. So we all are moving in the same direction. Leon is an expert in his job. He knows what he’s doing. He was a great agent and I’m sure he’s going to do great things here.”

In 2019 with New York, Ntilikina posted a .393 field-goal percentage, hitting .444 from two-point and .321 from three-point. This was his best season offensively, averaging just 6.3 points per game.

The lack of efficiency offensively is a testament to his limitations. However, he is a stellar defender, averaging nearly 1.0 steals per game. Using him situationally is how the Knicks will likely proceed with the French player. While it doesn’t seem as his offense can develop to a point where he can remain a regular starter, his defense late in games has proven to be a commodity.

If possible, one trade the New York Knicks should be all-in on

by
New York Knicks, Frank Ntilikina

Bleacher report released an interesting ‘course-changing’ trade for the New York Knicks.  It’s a trade that certainly makes sense and should have a majority of fans on board.

THE TRADE

Knicks Receive: G Devin Booker

Suns Receive: 2020 first-round pick, PF Julius Randle, G Frank Ntilikina

First off, we here at Empire Sports Media are big supporters of Ntilikina.  He has been and will continue to be one of the best defensive players for the Knicks.  Ntilikina has improved his game each season he’s been in the league.

The coaching staff and fan want him to be more aggressive offensively.  Thankfully, he brought that aggressiveness that he found playing in the FIBA World Cup to the Knicks.  It was certainly a step in the right direction for sure.

Ntilikina was a player that had Knicks fans saying ‘Who!?!’ when drafted and thought was a bust his first two years.  And while, he’s progression still hasn’t been what people thought, fans still always have faith him in.  Ntilikina is a clear fan favorite.

However, if this trade were to be serious, trading him would be a no-brainer.  If you can get an elite scorer, Booker, for a still developing point guard, you pull the trigger.  The Knicks desperately need an elite, electric scorer and who better than Booker.

As for Randle, a majority of Knicks fan want him traded anyway.  Yes, his stats are very solid but it’s the little nuances that get fans aggravated.  Maybe Phoenix would be a better fit anyway.  Smaller market with a lot less pressure similar to New Orleans.

We’ve always said the Knicks shouldn’t be trading away first-round picks anymore.  That shipped has sailed.  Even the Knicks came out and said they didn’t want to trade picks away.  However, if it’s only ONE first-round pick for Booker then you pull that trigger as quickly as possible.  But it probably wouldn’t be just one pick for a player like Booker though.

Pairing Booker with RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson would certainly be a major jump in the right direction.  Barrett and Booker at the 1, 2 positions is something to really get excited about.  Those two alone can lure free agents then add in the young, beastly Robinson.  Those are 3 players that can get the New York Knicks back on track.

New York Knicks ‘on the fence’ whether to exercise Knox’s 4th year option

by
New York Knicks, Kevin Knox

The New York Knicks new team president Leon Rose has a lot on his plate in his first months on the job.  One decision he’ll have to make regards Kevin Knox.

Rumors are out there that Rose is ‘on the fence’ on whether to exercise Knox’s 4th year option.  The Knicks took a chance on Knox and it really hasn’t paid off.  Knox will be earn $5.8 million in his 4th year.

Even out of college, Knox’s college coach John Calipari said Knox is a ‘project’.  However, there was plenty of upside in his game.  Recently, Calipari said that the Knicks shouldn’t trade him as those rumors are out there as well.  Rose and Calipari have a close relationship.

In his first few seasons, Knox would start then get benched.  It’s a rollercoaster when it comes to minutes.  That‘s why his confidence was slow low in his 3rd year.

It didn’t help Knox’s confidence when the Knicks signed a bunch of forwards, pushing him to the bench.  Marcus Morris took a lot of Knox’s minutes this season.

Knox is only 20-years-old.  He’s still very young and has the skills to be a contributor for the Knicks in the future.  Rose should exercise his option but being ‘on the fence’ comes as no surprise.

The Knicks need to see how Knox bounces back after a terrible start to his season.  Before the season was suspended due to the COVID-19, Knox started to play better.  He was contributing on both sides of the floor and showing confidence.

It seems like Knox is getting the same treatment that Frank Ntilikina got to start his Knicks career.  Fans soured on Ntilikina but the organization had patience when it came to his development and his game is starting to progress.  The New York Knicks shouldn’t give up on Knox like they didn’t give up on Ntilikina and exercise his 4th year.

Report: The New York Knicks could commit to Frank Ntilikina under Leon Rose

by
New York Knicks, Frank Ntilikina

The New York Knicks have a Frank Ntilikina situation to deal with, but how will Leon Rose approach it?

The Knicks and french point guard Frank Ntilikina have had a tumultuous relationship, mostly on the side of the organization, firing and hiring coaches like they’re enjoying a flight at a brewery. However, with Leon Rose, formerly an NBA super-agent, taking over, Ntilikina might actually benefit from the Knicks’ latest transaction.

Interestingly, Rose’s agency manages Ntilikina’s contractual agreements and marketing strategy, so there’s a potential conflict of interest there. However, it could bode well for the young point guard who’s looking for faith and motivation.

Ntilikina is a quality player with a defensive focus, as his offensive production has been limited in recent years. This past season, the PG posted 6.3 points per game, the highest its been in his entire career. Considering how low that number is, you can see how limited his offensive capabilities are.

His inefficiencies in some areas have led to the Knicks to explore trading him in the past, but those days might be behind him.

“It’s hard for me to put a percentage right now on the likelihood that Ntilikina is back with the team, but I do think that Leon Rose isn’t going to be out there shopping Ntilikina as the Knicks had been previously.”

I view Ntilikina as a situational player with great depth value, but I don’t believe he’s a starting point guard in the NBA. His lack of offensive development has severely hurt his abilities on the court, leading to Elfrid Payton overtaking him as the starter.

The categories that saw bumps were free-throw percentage (.767 in 2018 –>.864 in 2019-20), turnovers by .1, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage. Tellingly, most of his offensive numbers saw positive movement, but so minimal that it didn’t have much of an effect. His 5.8 attempts per game from the field was a significant decrease from the previous two seasons, indicating he played fewer minutes but was a bit better while no the court.

Overall, small incremental growth is a positive sign, and Rose could see that as a stimulus for keeping him.

Ntilikina has persevered as a member of the New York Knicks

by
New York Knicks, Frank Ntilikina

New York Knicks point guard Frank Ntilikina is staying put, for now.  Leon Rose isn’t shopping the 3rd year man, according to SNY’s Ian Begley.

The 21-year old Ntilikina has had a wild rollercoaster ride to start his NBA career.  The Knicks, & then team prisoner Phil Jackson, selected him 8th overall in 2017.

Ntilikina had, still has, a high ceiling. When selected, he was ‘no-name’ for most American basketball fans.  Coming out of France, he somewhat of ‘project’.  He was known for his defensive capabilities, not so much offense.  Ntilkina wasn’t the best shooter so that’s what needed the most work.

Many fans wanted Ntilikina traded for the longest time or not selected by the Knicks at all.  He’ll be linked to a lot of players in that draft that have had better careers already.  For example, Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell, selected 13th, and Heat center Bam Adebayo, 14th.

Despite all the negativity that surrounded Ntilikina thus far, he’s persevered.  He’s had 5 head coaches in his 3-year tenure with the Knicks. Ntilikina has also been the consistent professional dealing with numerous other guards being brought in by the Knicks.  We’ve seen the likes of Dennis Smith Jr., Trey Burke, Emmanuel Mudiay, Timmy Hardaway Jr., Elfrid Payton, etc.

Some Knicks fans may not believe it but Ntilikina has improved his game each season.  First, he improved his defense to adapt to NBA style of play.  Then, his passing.  After the FIBA basketball World Cup, his confidence, aggressive and shot all improved.

Before the NBA season was suspended due to COVID-19, Ntilikina’ game was outstanding.  He was aggressive, seeing the floor beautifully, providing lockdown defense and a fan favorite.  Ntilikina hasn’t given up on being a valuable asset for the future and, hopefully, Rose & the New York Knicks haven’t either.

Thoughts on the New York Knicks season, if it’s over

by

The New York Knicks and rest of the NBA season is in question.  The season could resume in a month or two and it could jump right into the playoffs.  But, everything in the sports world is a giant question mark currently.

With that being said, if the NBA returns and goes right into the playoffs, the Knicks season would be over.  We can look back on the season and determine what were the positives, if any.

First off, Knicks fans are spoiled.  More so than any other fan base.  It’s New York so the expectations are to contend for a championship.  It doesn’t matter whether all teams were good or bad the season before.  They’re expected to be contenders each year.

This season for the Knicks started with big, optimistic expectations that quickly turned for the worst.  That is something that all fans know very well.  The season began with thoughts of the Knicks sneaking into the back-end of the playoffs.  But, after a 4-17 start and head coach David Fizdale fired, that quickly vanished.

While the players always said the right things about striving to get better and competing for a playoff spot, the realism was they were far from it.  All and all, it was a typical Knicks season.  Big expectations with awful results.

The Knicks had a bunch of good things that came out of this season but the negatives out way the positives.  Positives were the play of rookie RJ Barrett and his ability to show the all-star capabilities for the future.  Mitchell Robinson’s progression a player and work on committing fewer fouls.  And Julius Randle didn’t fit well with the Knicks in his first season despite good stats.

And towards the end of the season, the aggressiveness and positive progression of Frank Ntilikina and Kevin Knox.  Knox had a smaller sample size at the end after a disastrous start to the season but thankfully fans saw something.  While more in-depth grades and thoughts will come, the consensus of the New York Knicks season was another stinker.

Should the Knicks extend Frank Ntilikina or sign a free agent option?

by
New York Knicks, Frank Ntilikina

The Frank Ntilikina debate is a debate as old as time, and now that the New York Knicks and their fans have plenty of time on their hands to argue, it’s time to consider the reality of the situation.

Ntilikina is a good basketball player; he’s just not starter quality. His offensive efficiency is abysmal, averaging only 6.3 points per game, a staggering .6 points greater than 2018. In fact, his offensive output is nearly identical to last season, indicating little to no growth in the area. His defense, though, is a reason to keep him around for the long-term, even if he’s a situational player.

Should the New York Knicks extend Ntilikina?

If the Knicks do decide to extent Ntilikina, he will be the first rookie since 1994 to earn more time in New York after his rookie-deal. Charlie Ward was the last Knick to earn the honor. While Ntilikina hasn’t developed his offensive abilities to the peak most believed he had, having endured multiple front-office changes in less than three years is indicative of his progress.

It’s difficult to value Frank based on his offense since his defense is far better. The Knicks still need to find a top point guard to inject into their starting five — Ntilikina is a better reserve option and late-game defensive player. If the Knicks can retain him for about $8 million per season, they would be in good shape for the future. Ntilikina isn’t close to reaching his full potential — a consistent/quality coach could bring the best out of the young Frenchman.

Two potential free agents to consider:

1.) Jeff Teague

At 31-years-old, Teague is fighting age; however, he’s still a quality player who can play at a high level. Having been traded from the Timberwolves to the Atlanta Hawks, Teague is still averaging 10.9 points, 5.2 assists, and a .457 two-point percentage. His offensive production has slowly decreased over the years, but he can be a serviceable stop-gap in the meantime.

2.) Goran Dragic

Dragic would be a great point guard for the Knicks to target in free agency next offseason. At 33-years-old, Dragic is still a capable scorer, averaging 16.1 points per game this season. His .491 two-point percentage is the highest of Teague and Ntilikina, making him a reliable option for that reason. His defensive traits have deteriorated, but that’s why the Knicks have Ntilikina, after all.