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

2. Become The Full-Time Starter

If Frank Ntilikina needs more than 82 games to adjust to the NBA, it would be hard to hold it against him. He’s a rookie point guard entering a golden era for his position, and will thus be tasked with defending and creating against high-quality competition on a nightly basis.

True as that may be, the path has been cleared for Ntilikina to become the full-time starter at point guard by the end of the 2017-18 season.

The point guards on New York’s roster are Ron Baker, Jarrett Jack, Chasson Randle, Xavier Rathan-Mayes, Ntilikina, and Ramon Sessions. That creates a significant measure of competition, primarily due to Baker’s intangibles, and Jack and Sessions’ veteran experience.

Unless Baker or Randle take a significant step forward during their second NBA seasons, however, no one should pose too much of a threat to Ntilikina.

If Ntilikina defends at a high level and shoots with reasonable efficiency, he should see significant playing time. If he can also create a steady flow on offense, then it stands to reason that he’ll become the full-time starter by season’s end.

Ntilikina shouldn’t measure his progress by his playing time, as New York may attempt to protect him as a rookie, but this is a fair and realistic goal to set for himself.