New York Knicks: 2017 NBA Draft Point Guards Who Can Replace Derrick Rose

Frank Ntilikina, Strasbourg

Age: 18 (7/28/1998)
Class: International
Height & Weight: 6’5″ & 170 pounds
2016-17 Slash Line: .518/.471/.563
2016-17 Per 36 Averages: 10.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.3 offensive rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.5 3-point field goals made

New York Knicks team president Phil Jackson values the fundamental prowess of European players. That much has been proven by his decisions to acquire Kristaps Porzingis, Willy Hernangomez, and Mindaugas Kuzminskas.

Though Frank Ntilikina isn’t a Liga ACB alum like Porzingis, Hernangomez, and Kuzminskas, he has the potential to be a star in the triangle offense.

Ntilikina is a 6’5″ point guard with the court vision and shooting ability to be an offensive star in the NBA. His defensive ability is somewhat erratic, but he has the skill set to be a force of nature with the Knicks.

Ntilikina can play in an off-ball role as a 3-point shooter or an on-ball role as a finisher and facilitator, which makes for invaluable versatility.

In addition to holding European players in high regard, Jackson has long favored the presence of point guards with size. Ron Harper filled that role for the late 90s Chicago Bulls and Ntilikina could do the same—with a considerably larger offensive role—for the Knicks.

New York needs a facilitator, and with the added benefit of being able to shoot—which Rose couldn’t do in 2016-17—Ntilikina could be that very player as soon as 2017-18.