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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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PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 13: Head coach Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks is introduced before the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 13: Head coach Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks is introduced before the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

3. Potential Team Success

The New York Knicks have been a point guard away from making a run for the playoffs in each of the past four seasons—including the pre-tank 2014-15 campaign. The frontcourt has been strong and the shooting has been solid at the 2, but point guard play has been a glaring flaw.

Losing Carmelo Anthony will hurt the Knicks’ execution in isolation, but if Ntilikina plays well and New York makes the playoffs, his Rookie of the Year case will strengthen.

New York has eliminated the distraction of the Carmelo Anthony and Phil Jackson feud by parting ways with both polarizing figures. It’s abandoned the stagnant triangle offense as the primary method of scoring, and has instead embraced a more up-tempo style.

With the distractions gone and a more modern approach to offense on the horizon, New York can compete for a playoff spot if it does the unthinkable and finds consistency at point guard.

Hardaway Jr., Willy Hernangomez, Enes Kanter, and Kristaps Porzingis should provide consistent offensive production, and Courtney Lee, Kyle O’Quinn, and Hernangomez should lead a balanced—and improved—second unit.

It’s also worth noting that Jeff Hornacek won 48 games with a less talented roster—Eric Bledsoe missed 39 games, and Channing Frye, Gerald Green, and Miles Plumlee were starters—in Phoenix.

If Ntilikina produces quality all-around numbers, and New York wins at a high enough level to secure a playoff spot, he may have the mainstream media’s backing.

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