New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis, Frank Ntilikina a mismatch nightmare
Frank Ntilikina and Kristaps Porzingis have quite a few things in common. That could eventually make them a mismatch nightmare for the New York Knicks.
The 2017 NBA Draft went as expected for the New York Knicks. Frank Ntilikina is now officially a Knick, as many expected him to be considering he had all the tools Phil Jackson coveted for his system.
Now that we can formally refer to Ntilikina as the Knicks’ point guard of the future, it’s acceptable to look ahead when talking about where the Frenchman projects as a player and how he’ll co-exist with Kristaps Porzingis.
It could eventually be scary.
The one thing Ntilikina and Porzingis have in common is being a physical mismatch that can be utilized in every phase of the game. These two freaks of nature are equipped with tools that can’t be taught, and generally, can’t be stopped.
Ntilikina stands in at 6’5″ with a projected 7’0″ wingspan, yet the average size of an NBA point guard is about 6’2″, and the average wingspan of a floor general is 6’5″.
There’s no need to explain the average size of an NBA power forward considering we’ve already seen how big of a factor the height and length of KP play in his game.
Porzingis utilizes his physical tools to see over the top of players and shoot over any player that tries to get in his way. Ntilikina has the same advantage as KP, just at the point guard positions: being too long and too tall for his opponents to adequately defend.
The post-up game is an essential element of the triangle offense, and The French prospect can eventually dominate in the post considering his physical gifts. Take a look at Shaun Livingston of the Golden State Warriors.
Livingston’s game is about his turn-around jumper in the low-post, and he excels at doing so due to his 6’7″. That poses a nightmare mismatch for smaller guards. Ntilikina can be the same way if given the time to work on his raw offensive talent.
The pick and roll game with Porzingis and Ntilikina could be even more effective. The athleticism and length of those two players will be an absolute dream to watch as they could just toss the ball way up in the air and be confident that one another could grab it.
The possibilities are endless when talking about this offensive tandem.
Defensively, these two will be an absolute pain for opponents to deal with. The long arms these two studs possess will lead to plenty of blocks, steals, and, “Defense,” chants from the Madison Square Garden crowd.
Ntilikina is projected as a lockdown defender in the NBA, and has been touted as the best defender in the 2017 Draft.
One thing is for sure: Frank Ntilikina was blessed with the physical tools to be regarded as a unicorn in this league, just like his new teammate.
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Get ready New York Knicks fans, because we could have yet another unique player at Madison Square Garden come this fall.