International analyst Fran Fraschilla believes that 2017 NBA Draft prospect Frank Ntilikina would fit the New York Knicks and the triangle offense.
For the second time in three years, a European enigma is making waves in New York City. Following in the footsteps of Latvian phenom Kristaps Porzingis, point guard Frank Ntilikina, who was born in Belgium, has become a top NBA Draft target for the New York Knicks.
As interest mounts and rumors continue to swirl, the most respected voices in NBA Draft circles are weighing in on the potential for Ntilikina to join the Knicks.
Ian Begley of ESPN New York recently reported that team president Phil Jackson is high on Frank Ntilikina. Marc Berman of The New York Post followed with a report that Knicks general manager Steve Mills recently traveled to France to scout Ntilikina.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, revered NBA Draft analyst Fran Fraschilla praised the way Ntilikina would fit the triangle offense.
"“And what I love about him — and by the way, I think he’s going to be able to show you — I hate to say this because I’m not a fan of the triangle, I think in the modern NBA the spacing doesn’t work as well as it did in the old days, but he’s a triangle kind of player, simply because he’s not really a 1, and he’s not really a 2. He’s a guard.”"
That isn’t exactly a cosign for the triangle offense, but it acknowledges how well Ntilikina would fit the system—and that’s something worth exploring.
No system works without the proper personnel, which has been New York’s primary issue under Jackson. Say what you will about the triangle offense itself, but the players acquired have openly discussed their limited understanding of the system.
If Ntilikina were to enter the NBA with an open mind, then the Knicks could potentially find the dynamic guard whom the triangle offense requires.
Whether or not fans want the system to be run, it will be in 2017-18—and that makes finding players who fit it a top priority.
Ntilikina has the size that team president Phil Jackson covets in a point guard at 6’5″ with a projected 7’0″ wingspan. He’s also an improved 3-point shooter with intriguing court vision and alluring upside on the defensive end of the floor.
Per Begley, Fraschilla expounded upon his thoughts about Ntilikina and revealed his thoughts on the LNB Pro A star’s upside.
"“He can make decisions well. He shoots it well. He’s athletic. He could be a good defender. And you’re also looking at a kid who’s still 18 years old. His long-term potential as an NBA player is very good.”"
Fraschilla is one of the most respected minds along the NBA Draft circuit, which makes his input on Ntilikina both welcomed and valued.
Fraschilla went on to discuss how Ntilikina’s work ethic has enabled him to dispel the myth that he’s just another athletic guard shining on the European scene. He tells the story of watching Ntilikina bury 27 out of 30 NBA 3s at the Jordan Gym in New York City.
Within the context of actual in-game action, Ntilikina is averaging 1.4 3-point field goals made per 36 minutes on 43.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc.
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If the New York Knicks are going to draft Frank Ntilikina, then they’d be selecting a prospect with the tools to fit the triangle offense.