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New York Knicks: 5 players Frank Ntilikina should study

By Maxwell Ogden

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Frank Ntilikina of the New York Knicks poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Frank Ntilikina of the New York Knicks poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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SAN ANTONIO – JUNE 4: Jason Kidd#5 of the New Jersey Nets pauses to blow a kiss during a free throw attempt against the San Antonio Spurs during Game one of the NBA Finals at the SBC Center on June 4, 2003 in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs won 101-89. Copyright NBAE 2003 (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO – JUNE 4: Jason Kidd#5 of the New Jersey Nets pauses to blow a kiss during a free throw attempt against the San Antonio Spurs during Game one of the NBA Finals at the SBC Center on June 4, 2003 in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs won 101-89. Copyright NBAE 2003 (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Jason Kidd

New York Knicks fans need no introduction to the brilliance of Jason Kidd. Even at 39 and 40 years of age, Kidd managed to be the veteran leader and pace-setting facilitator who helped the 2012-13 team win 54 games.

As for what Kidd brought to the table in his prime, however, the answer is simple and without any hyperbole whatsoever: Everything.

Like Ntilikina, Kidd brought elite size to the point guard position—a trait that helped improve the strength of every other phase of his game. He was a borderline lockdown defender, and his nine All-Defensive Team selections imply that he was better than borderline.

Kidd also led the New Jersey Nets to two NBA Finals, helped the Dallas Mavericks win a championship, and made five All-NBA First Team appearances.

Beyond the defense, Kidd was a legendary facilitator who led the NBA in assists on five separate occasions. He added a jump shot late in his career, but his game was all about pushing the pace, hitting the open man, and working the pick and roll when the game slowed down.

If Frank Ntilikina wants to learn how to facilitate an offense and defend his position at simultaneously elite levels, Kidd may be the best player to study as he pursues that delicate balance.

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