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New York Knicks: 5 reasons Frank Ntilikina can win Rookie of the Year

By Maxwell Ogden

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: (EDITOR'S NOTE: This image was shot as a double exposure.) Frank Ntilikina of the New York Knicks poses for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Babineau/Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: (EDITOR'S NOTE: This image was shot as a double exposure.) Frank Ntilikina of the New York Knicks poses for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Babineau/Getty Images) /
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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) /

4. Physical Gifts

Head coach Jeff Hornacek recently stated that Frank Ntilikina never previously received strength, conditioning, or balance training. That will create an inevitable uphill battle as Ntilikina adjusts to the physicality of the NBA.

If ever there were reason to look past a thin frame and believe physical dominance is still possible, however, it’s Ntilikina’s overwhelming measurements.

Ntilikina is a 6’5″ point guard with a projected 7’0″ wingspan that’s blown his coaches and teammates away at training camp. Being tall and having a long wingspan doesn’t guarantee success, but the learning curve should be less steep than it’s being made out to be.

Between the clear advantages on defense and the unique angles he can run the pick and roll from, Ntilikina should benefit greatly from simply being bigger than the competition.

As a shooter, Ntilikina will have a high enough release point to be able to get shots off over the average NBA defender. As a facilitator, he should be able to run the pick and roll to perfection with the appealing option of going over the top of defenders to find the dive man.

If Ntilikina can tap into some of his defensive potential, that two-way value could elevate him to near the top of a class that’s stronger offensively than it is on defense.

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