frank ntilikina

The New York Knicks season began with an intriguing loss

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New York Knicks, RJ Barrett

The New York Knicks kicked off their season in San Antonio last evening.  The team supported their new statement uniforms on the road against the Spurs.

The game was interesting to say the least.  The Knicks started the game with lackadaisical defense as the Spurs jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter.  Their defense was sub-par as the Spurs were manhandling them on the glass for the entire game.

However, the Knicks were able to make things interesting going on multiple double-digit runs to get back into the game and take the lead.  At one point, the Knicks were up 7 points in second half, having total control of the game.

But, as all Knicks fans know, that doesn’t last.  The Spurs continued to dominate the boards and got to the basket seemingly at will.  Their shooting was something else as well, as it seemed like every big shot went in.

Despite the awful rebounding, help defense and careless fouls and passes, the Knicks played better then expected.  The refs were not on the Knicks side, they never are.  The fouls were 32-12 in favor of the Knicks.  Horrendous.

Point guard situation 

RJ Barrett and Allonzo Trier was the starting back-court with Barrett running point.  He is not a true point guard, but coach David Fizdale had enough confidence in him to be the guy.  This comes after Fizdale saying that none of the three true point guards on the roster earned the starting spot.

After an initial rocky start, the offense got grooving.  Everyone was pushing the ball up the floor and it was paying dividends. Elfrid Payton helped greatly.  Payton had a very strong showing running the offense when Trier when out.  He ran the offense well and was able to push the tempo and his teammates followed.  Payton’s performance, despite his fouling, made him the clear favorite for the starting point guard job.

Dennis Smith Jr. and Frank Ntilikina did not make things easier on themselves trying to get that job.  Smith Jr. couldn’t contain Dejounte Murray or Bryn Forbes, as they ran circles around the rusty Smith Jr.  His shot still needs loads of work.  Ntilikina had careless passes which led to easy Spur baskets in big situations.

Despite the negatives, the New York Knicks play was captivating.  Barrett, Julius Randle and Marcus Morris stole the show.  Those three provided the Knicks with big time offense when needed.  Kevin Knox, too, had huge back-to-back threes for the Knicks.  Even though it’s only one game, his shot looks stronger then last season.

Randle, Barrett, Payton and Morris sparked the team to have a lot of energy and cohesiveness.  The teams defense was ‘tenacious’ as Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier would say.  They got steals when needed, leading to fast breaks led by Barrett and Payton.  The rebounding was atrocious but they can work on that.  Getting Mitchell Robinson will be a big boost.

However, the Knicks had a decent showing.  A lot of positives and negatives but the Knicks played hard and like a team.  It’s an encouraging start for this young squad.

New York Knicks: Elfrid Payton wins starting point guard spot by a landslide

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New York Knicks, Knicks

If Dennis Smith Jr. was looking to become the New York Knicks starting point guard for the 2019-20 season, he likely should have brought his A-game to the opener against the San Antonio Spurs. Facing off against a quality team, Smith played just 10 minutes, mainly because he heaved up three ill-advised shots, and connected on a drive to the rim.

Smith finished 1-for-4 with one assist in limited action, but his porous shot selection told his ever-lasting story of bad decisions and mental mistakes. With all of the athletic tools to become a bonafide star, he continues to take low-percentage shots and play with a selfish mentality.

This ultimately allowed Elfrid Payton to take the starting job right out from under him, and he did just that in the Knicks’ first game o the year. Playing 26 minutes, Payton was 4-for-9 with 11 points. His primary influence came on defense, though, as he picked up five steals on the night, earning a +14 +/- rating.

Payton was the spark the Knicks needed to mount a significant comeback and lead the game by seven at one point. With fatigue setting in, the Knicks allowed the Spurs to storm ahead by double digits late in the game, putting a chance a victory out of reach.

The point guard position battle is looking complete for the New York Knicks:

Head coach David Fizdale started his second season with the Knicks featuring a very peculiar starting five. He virtually dropped a point guard from the lineup and tossed Alonzo Trier out there to do a whole lot of nothing. Trier had zero points on three attempts. He was pulled after just seven minutes and didn’t see the floor after his initial start.

Second-year man Kevin Knox earned more playing time as the game went on, hitting back-to-back three-pointers at one point.  He alternated with Marcus Morris a fair amount. Rookie RJ Barrett filled in at the point guard position for a few minutes, given Fizdale’s lack of trust in Smith and Frank Ntilikina, while Payton rested.

The veteran will undoubtedly star the next game for New York, and it’s well deserved after an impressive performance in the loss.

The New York Knicks 2019-20 season preview and prediction

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The 2019-20 New York Knicks season is finally here.  It has been one roller coaster of a summer.  The Knicks were suppose to be the big winner this off-season in free agency and we all know how that played out.

The Knicks did make moves to get the right players for this team.  They’ve added the likes of Julius Randle, Marcus Morris, Bobby Portis, Wayne Ellington and Elfrid Payton.  GM Scott Perry thinks they added to correct players for what the Knicks are trying to accomplish.

The New York Knicks will be battling up-hill all season long.  No one is expecting much out of them this season.  Las Vegas has put the Knicks season win total at 27.5.  The main goal for this season is to continue developing their young core.  This consists of RJ Barrett, Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson and Dennis Smith Jr.

However, that is not going to be the overall goal for this team.  Morris, Portis, Ellington and Payton are on the record talking about their “dog” mentality.  That mentality was present for the first preseason game then absent for the following games.  Maybe that is going to change once the season begins?  Because the Knicks are looking to “shock people.”  They got to back up all their talk from this summer, that’s maybe the biggest thing of all.

If the Knicks do play to their potential, as a team, they are capable of winning at least 30 games.  The playoffs is a gigantic stretch this season.  Anything over 30 wins will be considered a win of a season for the Knicks.

The Knicks also still don’t have a official starting point guard, it’s expected for be announced today.  It’s between Smith Jr. Payton and Ntilikina.  It appears it’s leaning towards Smith Jr. but he isn’t 100% healthy to begin the season.  Not the smartest move throwing him out there.

Coach David Fizdale also mentioned that he will be going with a 10-man rotation.  It makes sense to do that once the season gets rolling but not right off the bat.  The Knicks talked about having one of the deepest benches in the league.  Why would you not rotate everyone and see what works the best?  Some of Fizdale’s decisions are questionable.

The Knicks will be better then what they were last year.  They just can’t play down to opponents or get down on themselves.  Fans already got a glimpse of that in the game against the Washington Wizards at the Garden.  The Knicks didn’t starting really playing hard until the fourth quarter was nearly over.  All we can say was it was preseason but that look like the old Knicks.

The season should be different and better than last season.  The Knicks have to play as a team and grow together.  Fizdale needs to coach to his strengths and have an offensive scheme if they want to make any progress this season.  Our prediction for the New York Knicks, 31-51.

New York Knicks Picked Up Frank Ntilikina’s Fourth Year $6.3 Million Option

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New York Knicks, Frank Ntilikina

The New York Knicks picked up Frank Ntilikina‘s fourth-year option before the season opener. The Knicks third year Frenchman will be due $6.3 million in his fourth year.

FIBA Frank was what everybody called the native Strasbourg point-guard due to his improved play during the international FIBA tournament this past offseason. Ntilikina spent his offseason improving his craft and took advantage of his opportunity to prove his worth by performing very well in a victory against Team USA during the FIBA Basketball World Cup Quarter-Finals. This is the game that stood out over the summer as Ntilikina gave Kemba Walker fits with full-court defensive pressure. The 21-year-old Knick guard scored 11-points on 5/9-shooting from the field and added 3-assists along with a +22 plus/minus rating during the France 89-79 victory over team USA. The next game against Argentina, Ntilikina scored his FIBA tournament-high of 16-points on 7/12-shooting from the field along with 2-assists. The young Knick guard looked like he was beginning to turn the corner with his FIBA play. His confidence began to build and it started carrying over into how he played against fierce competition.

Knicks coach David Fizdale ended up stealing some offensive sets ran by French coach Vincent Collet. The French coach was even invited to training camp to help with Ntilikina’s growth. According to Fizdale and others, Ntilikina had a solid training camp as he battled for the starting point-guard position. It’s obvious that there’s an investment the Knicks have in Ntilikina and they’re patiently grooming the young guard for future success.

New York Knicks starting point guard is still up-in-the-air

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New York Knicks, Dennis Smith Jr.

New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale is not announcing the start point guard until game day.  This has been a position that has been up-in-the-air from the beginning.

Dennis Smith Jr. was the clear favorite to be the starting point guard.  However, due to his lower back injury, that is now in question.  Smith Jr. is not 100% and his ‘new and improved” is not up to NBA standards.  He shot 2-for-12 from the field in the preseason finale against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Frank Ntilikina and Elfrid Payton both have not separated themselves from one another to require the starting job or more minutes.

Ntilikina is the better defender but his offensive skills are still lacking.  He should get more minutes regardless because he his 7-foot wingspan can be a problem against the opponents guards.

Payton can run the offense smoothly but does not move the needle much offensively or defensively.  He could get the starting nod solely based off his experience.

RJ Barrett is the more interesting part about this point guard scenario.  When was running point, the offense ran the best it has with any other guard.  However, Barrett is not a natural point guard.  If anything, he’s a shooting guard.  Barrett has earned a starting spot regardless.  He continues to improve every game and shows he’s a building block for the foreseeable future.

The Knicks unofficial leader, Julius Randle, has given the edge to Smith Jr. and rightfully so.  His athletic ability, when healthy, makes him a no-brainer to start.   However, with his back still not 100%, the starting spot isn’t his yet.

The New York Knicks will be exploring a variety of guard combinations to begin the season.  The Knicks should start Barrett and Ntilikina because they will give the Knicks the best of both worlds.  Barrett contributes on offense and defense.  Ntilikina is a lock-down defender and has the basketball IQ to make plays when needed.

New York Knicks: The point guard spot is up for grab, or is it? Elfrid Payton wants more

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New York Knicks, Elfrid Payton

The New York Knicks had a rough start to the preseason at the point guard position, especially veteran Elfrid Payton, who averaged just 3.7 points per game over 22.3 minutes. His influence was not what the Knicks expected, but it’s still very early and the regular season has yet to even start.

Payton joined New York with the expectation that he would be competing for the starting job, and it seems that third-year player Dennis Smith Jr. will be the featured starter despite averaging just 6.5 points over 26.0 minutes. Smith has looked better in other categories as well including assists, rebounds, and blocks. It could be a result of more games played for Payton who’s are more leveled out.

“Dennis hasn’t played in just one game,’’ Fizdale said beforehand. “I want to get his minutes up to speed. Elfrid will be his third game and Frank has played three. We’ll have enough body of work to evaluate these guys.’’

Frank Ntilikina, on the other hand, made numerous key defensive plays, but his offense is still struggling at a rate that is impossible to bounce back from. He can’t get over the six-points per game average hump, as he earned just 5.3 points over three games (21.0 minutes per).

The two-year, $16 million deal for Payton reportedly had a kicker, though, as per the NY Post. Payton would be the starting point guard for the Knicks, and that reality is not coming to fruition considering his preseason performances. Smith Jr. is the player the front office wants to stick with and develop around their team. The assets they had to part with to bring him in and inject his athletic abilities into the team were astronomical, and he hasn’t shown us why he can be the future at the position.

Ultimately, Smith’s lack of production so far is what gives Elfrid so much optimism moving forward.

What does Elfrid Payton bring to the New York Knicks?

Payton has a strong interior presence and can drive to the hoop, which he failed to do against the Washington Wizards at home, going 0-for-9 and missing numerous easy chances. However, he’s a proven player and has a specific skill-set that the Knicks are keen on utilizing.

“What EP does, gets into the paint, it’s kind of hard to keep him out of there, he can finish around the rim very well,’’ Holiday said at the Friday morning shootaround at the Garden. “He can play defense very well. His vision on the court, that’s why he’s a point guard. But one thing last year for me, that was how well he shot the three. And I think people kind of slept on that.’’

 

The New York Knicks pick-up multiple 2020-2021 player options

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New York Knicks, Frank Ntilikina

The New York Knicks made a good move before the season officially gets under way.  The Knicks have decided to pick-up the options of Frank Ntilikina, Kevin Knox and Dennis Smith Jr. for the 2020-21 season, per Ian Begley.

These decisions shows the confidence the team has in these three future building blocks.

Ntilikina was teetering on the edge of not having his option picked up.  He under-performed for the Knicks in his first few seasons but has made strides this summer.

Ntilikina performed very well for his home country of France in the FIBA World Cup and showed signs of progress.  Ntilikina has been in the running for the starting point guard position but has not made a significant leap to stand out.  Picking up Ntilikina’s option shows that the Knicks do have confidence in him to become the player they hoped for.

Knox and Smith Jr. options were no-brainers.

Knox continues to progress in his development.  His shooting and vision on the court has been substantially better as compared to last season.  Knox most likely will come off the bench this season but he can provide good energy and instant production.

The Knicks thought that Smith Jr. was going to be their starting point guard.  However, due to his back injury that has held him up.  When healthy, Smith Jr. is the clear number one at the guard position.

The New York Knicks may have had a not-so-hot off-season in free agency.  But the moves general manager Scott Perry has made puts the Knicks on the right path for the future.  They’re showing confidence in their young guys and sticking with them.

The New York Knicks point guard situation is weird

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New York Knicks, David Fizdale

The point guard scenario for the New York Knicks is very odd.  Coach David Fizdale has been juggling around players running point from the start of training camp.

Fizdale starting and sitting guards throughout the preseason.  He starts one, sits the other.  Fizdale is trying to see what combo work the best.  However, it’s the preseason.  Why can’t you play them all and rotate them through each game?  It seems like sitting someone for one game is doing more harm than good.

Elfrid Payton said that, “There on the same page.”  That may be true for the them but it has fans scratching their heads.

Frank Ntilikina didn’t play Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans as Payton got the minutes, and vice versa last week against the Atlanta Hawks.  Ntilikina’s showed he deserved more minutes after bouncing back after in the second half of the Hawks game and shutting down Trae Young.  Yes, he’s offense still needs a lot of work but he’s the Knicks best defensive guard.

Allonzo Trier has hardly played at all this preseason.  But finally got more time in the final preseason game and proved he deserves more time.

Dennis Smith Jr. is not looking like this explosive player due to his back injury.  He’s rusty, even though he worked all summer.  Rest him until he’s good to go.  Plus, his new and improved shot needs more work.

RJ Barrett is really the stand out when running point.  The offense looks more fluid and has an extra boost of energy.  Barrett’s defense also continues to improve each game, just like every other aspect of his game.

Payton is able to run the offense well but that’s it.  He did perform well with the Pelicans, posting five triple-doubles last season with them.  His offensive capabilities are there but not consistent.

The starting guards for the opener is still a toss up.  But, the best option for the New York Knicks is to start Frank Ntilikina and RJ Barrett.  The two can split time bringing the ball up and it gives the team the best of both worlds.

Barrett can provide offense and defense while pushing the ball up the floor with an upbeat response from his teammates.  Ntilikina can then lock down defenders and have good vision to dish the ball.  His 7-foot wingspan can be a problem for guards, case-in-point shutting down Young in the second half last Wednesday.

Smith Jr. is not 100% and shouldn’t get the start if he isn’t healthy.  Barrett and Ntilikina should start and then rotate in Trier and Payton.  The Knicks need to get a good flow with them until Smith Jr. is healthy enough to get into the mix.

New York Knicks need to trade Frank Ntilikina while there’s still time

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New York Knicks, Frank Ntilikina

With the point guard position battle becoming somewhat of a joke for the New York Knicks, they must find value where there currently is none. Dennis Smith Jr. has the potential to develop into a good player, but his first preseason game was nothing but disappointing as he made just one shot from the field.

Frank Ntilikina was once again ineffective on the offensive side of the ball, earning just one basket on four attempts over 21 minutes. Both players struggled mightily, and veteran Elfrid Payton has also been quiet in his first games with the Knicks. The position is seeming to be one of weakness, and Ntilikina surely isn’t providing any significant value to help push him over the trade-rumor hump.

Should the New York Knicks trade Frank Ntilikina?

Realistically, getting any value from Ntilikina, who seems to only show up on defense, is the best move at this point. Despite making a few solid defensive stops towards the end of the game in the loss to the Hawks on Wednesday, he contributed in allowing Trae Young to thrash the Knicks for 23 points and nine assists.

Rumors of the Detroit Pistons having an interest in Frank should be a glowing light at the end of a rather disappointing tunnel for the Knicks. Yes, some players take time to develop into their own, but the issues for the Frenchman are purely fundamental. He lacks consistency driving to the hoop and doesn’t have the strength to muscle his way into the paint. Ntilikina is a smooth player that ultimately lacks the hit-rate from the field and succession in the paint to be a quality player in the NBA.

Some things you cannot teach, and it seems as if Ntilikina will forever be plagued by his inability to score. He’s currently averaging 5.3 points per game over 21 minutes in the preseason, which is incredibly low, considering this is the period where teams are testing different players and schemes.

If the Knicks could find a suitor willing to part with a second-round pick, they shouldn’t even think twice about taking it.

New York Knicks: The point guard position might be in huge trouble

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New York Knicks, Frank Ntilikina

The consensus was that New York Knicks point guard Dennis Smith Jr. would look far different this upcoming season, why? Because he’s been spending a ton of time in the gym working on his jump shot – but then again, every play is doing that. Expecting him to elevate his game exponentially doesn’t make much sense, but it’s natural as a Knicks fan to think that way.

How did the point guards perform for the New York Knicks against Atlanta?

Both Smith Jr. and Frank Ntilikina looked abysmal offensively, finishing a combined 2-for-9 from the field. Neither hit a three-pointer on two attempts each and had six assists between them. Shutting down Atlanta’s star player Trae Young, was the task at hand for the point guards, and both got into early foul trouble and allowed him to run ramped for 23-points and nine assists.

Not only was their offense terrible, but their combined defensive efforts looked even worse. Ntilikina’s +/- rating was -7 and Smith finished at +5.

“Absolutely,’’ Fizdale said when asked if Smith was rusty. “Especially offensively. No rhythm at all. He has to play through that stuff and start shaking it off.”

There’s little doubt that Smith isn’t at his peak performance yet, considering the time he has missed, so take that into account when thinking about this narrative. Ntilikina, on the other hand, looks awful and hasn’t been the FIBA World Cup player we all hoped he would be.

Smith has the athleticism and talent to be a top PG in the NBA, but finding his mental game and refining those tools in his shed will be the priority. Mechanics, decision making, awareness, etc.

With the optimism for Dennis, Ntilikina is falling off the shelf a bit. His offense was once again non-existent, but his defense late in the game kept the Knicks involved. He will likely be used in that facet during the regular season – a situational player that is utilized for his defensive qualities.

“We didn’t play the way we wanted to play on offense,’’ Ntilikina said. “But it’s only the third preseason game. We know defensively we can be a good team. The offense will come.’’

I’m not so sure, Frank, the offensive hasn’t come for quite some time.