New York Knicks: International Prospects To Scout For 2017 NBA Draft

1. Frank Ntilikina, Strasbourg

Position: Point Guard
Age: 18 (7/28/1998)
Height & Weight: 6’5″ & 170 pounds
2016-17 Slash Line: .500/.440/.714
2016-17 Per 36 Averages: 10.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.2 ORPG, 1.4 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.5 3PM

Germany has produced a number of high-quality players, including Dirk Nowitzki, Detflef Schrempf, and Dennis Schröder. The next in line could be Frank Ntilikina, who has the size and skill level to be a star in the NBA.

Ntilikina is expected to be available towards the back end of the Top 10, which could make him an ideal target for the New York Knicks.

Ntilikina’s primary strength is his size as a 6’5″ point guard with a wingspan that’s been projected in the 7’0″ range. His size and length enable him to finish in traffic, shoot over the average point guard, facilitate from uncommon angles, and defend both perimeter positions.

Those are all upside projections of what he’ll be able to do at the next level, but Ntilikina has shown an early proficiency in every one of those regards.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Ntilikina’s game is that he’s already a solid shooter. He can work the corner in the triangle offense or pull up off of the pick and roll to make teams pay when a defender opts to go under the screen.

Ntilikina is as much of an enigma as any European prospect with limited high-level experience can be, but he’s highly regarded as a Top 10 prospect in this year’s draft class.

Must Read: An early March Mock Draft for the New York Knicks

If the New York Knicks have a chance to do so, drafting Frank Ntilikina would be the right move for the future.