New York Knicks: Breaking down every player on Summer League roster
Frank Ntilikina
Position: Point Guard
Age: 18 (7/28/1998)
Experience: Rookie
2016-17 Slash Line (LNB Pro A): .485/.431/.621
2016-17 Per 36 Averages (LNB Pro A): 10.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.3 3PM
Key Strengths
- Elite size and length for position
- 3-point shooting
- Defensive potential
- Improving court vision
- High character and basketball IQ
- Professional experience
Key Weaknesses
- Thin frame
- Driving against NBA-caliber defenders
- Unpolished point guard skills
Analysis
The player whom every New York Knicks fan is anxious to see is 2017 first-round draft pick Frank Ntilikina. Ntilikina was selected at No. 8 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, and represents a rare decision to embrace the value of the position.
Heralded for his defensive proficiency and well-rounded offensive game, Ntilikina will have a chance to prove how well he can hold up against NBA-caliber athletes.
Ntilikina’s primary strength is his unique combination of size, wingspan, and length of stride at the point guard position. He’s not the most explosive athlete, but at 6’5″ with a 7’0″ wingspan, he can physically overwhelm most lead and off-guards.
That’s birthed the growing belief that Ntilikina could become a legitimately elite defensive player with the proper coaching and patience.
Offensively, Ntilikina shows flashes of being a lights-out shooter, creative facilitator, and dynamic finisher at the rim. All are somewhat unpolished traits, but it’s important to note that he’s 18 years of age and already has professional experience.
Even at 18, Ntilikina is a two-time winner of the LNB Pro A Rising Star award—the same award that was won by the likes of Nicolas Batum, Clint Capela, Boris Diaw, Evan Fournier, and Tony Parker.