New York Knicks: Pros and Cons of targeting Patty Mills in free agency

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Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Frank Ntilikina of France is interviewed after being introduced as the number eight overall pick to the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Con: Selling The Ntilikina Scenario

The New York Knicks selected Frank Ntilikina at No. 8 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. The working theory is that Ntilikina will need time to develop, which has birthed the theory that New York needs a short-term answer at the position.

Patty Mills certainly qualifies as such, but after years of coming off the bench with the San Antonio Spurs, it’s fair to believe that he’ll be looking for a full-time gig.

There’s an admittedly strong measure of appeal in the way Mills and Ntilikina’s games project to mesh together. That could easily turn this con into a pro, as Mills and Ntilikina are both capable of playing with and without the ball.

It will take time before Ntilikina’s body fills out and he’s physically capable of playing shooting guard, but it’s a possibility that could be worth exploring.

Unfortunately, selling this scenario will be tough to do. Mills could be the perfect mentor, but at 28 years of age, he could also sign elsewhere and receive the opportunity to build something sustainable—both for himself and for a team.

Mills and Ntilikina could be a perfect fit at the point guard position, but selling him on potentially being a short-term starter would be tough.