New York Knicks: 5 realistic goals for Frank Ntilikina in 2017-18

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Frank Ntilikina 22; Vukota Pavic 14; Marko Mijovic 10 in action during SIG Strasbourg v KK Mornar Regular Season – Group D of Basketball Champions League in Strasbourg, France, on 29 November 2016. (Photo by Elyxandro Cegarra/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

5. Develop Three-Point Range

One of the biggest differences between FIBA and the NBA is the distance between the three-point lines and the basket. In the NBA, the range is 23 feet and nine inches from the top of the three-point line—far deeper than FIBA’s line at 22 feet and one and three-quarter inches deep

That difference of roughly one foot and seven inches is one that Frank Ntilikina will need to adapt to and overcome if he’s going to find his niche in the NBA.

Ntilikina’s jump shot isn’t perfect, but it became a strength during his career in LNB Pro A and international competition. That may not translate to the NBA three-point line, but it should help him convert from midrange.

If he’s able to develop some level of comfort from 16-to-20 feet, then it stands to reason that the adjustment to the NBA three-point line should become easier for him to adjust to.

By developing three-point range, Ntilikina would be able to play both with and without the ball under Jeff Hornacek. The New York Knicks project to utilize point guards in both on and off-ball capacities, and in the modern NBA, that requires the ability to convert from beyond the arc.

There are other ways that Ntilikina can stay on the court, but being able to space the floor for Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis would be an excellent start.

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