New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina is the star of training camp

New York Knicks rookie Frank Ntilikina has become the star of training camp. Between teammate testimonials and highlights, Ntilikina is making waves.

The New York Knicks won’t know how good Frank Ntilikina truly is until he takes the court for an NBA game. In the days and weeks leading up to the regular season, however, Ntilikina has continuously turned heads.

Between his teammates’ testimonials, the coaching staff’s praise, emerging highlights, and a captivating article in The Players’ Tribune, Ntilikina has become the star of training camp.

New York selected Ntilikina at No. 8 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. It was a somewhat surprising decision due to the fact that Malik Monk and Dennis Smith Jr. were still on the board, but the front office remains confident in the selection.

The same can be said about head coach Jeff Hornacek, who likes what he’s seen from Ntilikina thus far.

"“We really like what we’re seeing in these pickup games. He’s getting better and better every day. He’s never had any strength and conditioning, any balancing training; he just basically played. And he’s a young kid, 19 years old. He’s got long arms…he’s doing some great things.”"

That may not seem like the most revealing of comments on the matter, but Hornacek provided invaluable insight into just how good Ntilikina can be.

Ntilikina is 6’5″ with a projected 7’0″ wingspan—genuinely elite measurements for a player at either guard position. That becomes even more intriguing when one considers the fact that Ntilikina hadn’t truly focused on his strength, conditioning, or balance before coming to the NBA.

Now equipped with state of the art technology and top-of-their-class sports fitness minds, Ntilikina could become an even more overwhelming physical presence.

Forgive the cliche, but with Ntilikina, the sky is the limit.

As for his skill set, Ntilikina received high praise from veteran teammate Ramon Sessions. Sessions compared Ntilikina to a young Kyrie Irving—a bold claim that’s contextualized by the fact that Sessions was teammates with Irving during the four-time All-Star’s rookie season.

Ntilikina put the flashy playmaking ability that Sessions was wowed by on full display during a recent training camp practice, when he found Kyle O’Quinn with a no-look pass.

It’s only one play, but seeing a Knicks point guard create for someone other than themselves is an undeniably refreshing sign.

The hope in New York is that Ntilikina will become a lockdown defender and a crafty offensive player who can complement Kristaps Porzingis. There’s no telling if that will transpire until the games begin, but he has the physical measurements and skill level to be a force of nature.

It’s only training camp, but Ntilikina is providing his teammates and coaches with early signs that he’ll justify the selection at No. 8 overall.

Must Read: Frank Ntilikina received advice from Michael Jordan

The New York Knicks are trusting Frank Ntilikina to develop into a high-level point guard. Patience will be crucial, but he may be further along in his development than previously expected.