Ultimate Upside Comparison: Jrue Holiday
Safe Upside Comparison: Ricky Rubio
Position: Point Guard
Age: 18 (7/28/1998)
Height & Weight: 6’5″ & 170 pounds
2016-17 Slash Line: .485/.431/.621
2016-17 Per 36 Averages: 10.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.3 3-point field goals made
The New York Knicks will eye a number of different point guards during the 2017 NBA Draft. Although much could change between now and the Draft, the top prospect on the Knicks’ board is European point guard Frank Ntilikina.
Malik Monk is undeniably appealing as a dynamic scorer and explosive athlete, but the Knicks opt for defense and playmaking with Ntilikina.
Frank Ntilikina can provide a sense of stability as a 6’5″ point guard with the court vision and shooting range to be a consistent contributor. Perhaps the most appropriate comparison is the Dallas Mavericks incarnation of point guard Jason Kidd.
Ntilikina’s utilizes his size and projected 7’0″ wingspan to contest shots, keep slashers in front of him, and turn defense into offense by creating turnovers.
Offensively, Ntilikina’s ability to convert from beyond the arc and create for his teammates is an invaluable strength. He can get to his spots from midrange, finish above the rim, and work without the ball within the triangle offense.
The Knicks will consider other options at No. 8 overall, but Ntilikina is firmly on the radar and held in high esteem by a number of high-ranking officials