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New York Knicks: Final Pre-Lottery 2017 NBA Mock Draft

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Rawle Alkins (1) signals to his teammates as they play against the Xavier Musketeers during the first period in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Xavier Musketeers defeated the Arizona Wildcats 73-71. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Rawle Alkins (1) signals to his teammates as they play against the Xavier Musketeers during the first period in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Xavier Musketeers defeated the Arizona Wildcats 73-71. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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Round 1, Pick 7: Frank Ntilikina, Strasbourg

Position: Point Guard
Age: 18 (7/28/1998)
Height & Weight: 6’5″ & 170 pounds
2016-17 Slash Line: .496/.435/.583
2016-17 Season Averages: 10.5 PTS/36, 4.1 REB/36, 2.6 AST/36, 1.5 OREB/36, 1.3 STL/36, 1.4 3PM/36

The New York Knicks recently sent general manager Steve Mills to France to scout point guard Frank Ntilikina. It was a confirmation of the organization’s interest in the international phenom, who has been garnering headlines in recent weeks.

In the final pre-lottery mock draft, it’s only rational to take a look at how Ntilikina would fit the Knicks in both the short and long-term.

In the short-term, Ntilikina may need time to develop into the full-time starter that New York is looking for. He’s a fluid athlete who sees the floor well and has a diverse skill set, but he’s also an unrefined work in progress as far as the polish of his abilities is concerned.

True as that may be, Ntilikina has genuine star potential on both ends of the floor with a rare combination of physical and executional gifts.

Ntilikina is a 6’5” point guard who has a rare point of view when running the pick and roll, and the physical profile for defensive brilliance. He’s also improved his outside shot to the point of being a strength in international competition, and a healthy work ethic would enable it to translate to the NBA.

For crucial perspective: Ntilikina received the 2016 LNB Pro A Rising Star award. It was previously won by the likes of Nicolas Batum, Clint Capela, Boris Diaw, Evan Fournier, and Tony Parker—all of whom are currently in the NBA.

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