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

1. Help New York Make The Playoffs

One could fairly argue that the New York Knicks were a solid point guard away from competing for the playoffs in each of Phil Jackson’s three seasons as team president. Even if one were to subtract the 2014-15 disaster, the 2015-16 and 2016-17 rosters were otherwise strong.

The absence of a consistent defender and playmaker at point guard was the primary limitation, and Frank Ntilikina possesses intriguing potential in both regards.

New York has started a number of players at point guard over the past two seasons, with Jose Calderon and Derrick Rose receiving the lion’s share of the minutes. Calderon struggled to stay in front of slashers in 2015-16, and Rose ranked No. 73 amongst point guards in Defensive Real-Plus Minus in 2016-17.

If Ntilikina can defend at an even average level, he’d be a massive upgrade over the defensive turnstiles whom New York started in 2015-16 and 2016-17.

From a facilitating perspective, no Knick has averaged more than 4.9 assists per game since 2013-14. It’s fair to believe that, with starting-caliber minutes, Ntilikina should exceed that number and thus help create a significantly healthier flow offensively.

If Ntilikina merely checks those two boxes and spaces the floor with reasonable consistency, the Knicks should be significantly better with the current roster.

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In turn, Frank Ntilikina could become the missing piece and thus help the New York Knicks make the playoffs for the first time since 2012-13.