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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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Frank Ntilikina 22 in action during Strasbourg IG vs Iberostar Tenerife Basketball Champions League match in Strasbourg, France on 3 January 2017. (Photo by Elyxandro Cegarra/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Frank Ntilikina 22 in action during Strasbourg IG vs Iberostar Tenerife Basketball Champions League match in Strasbourg, France on 3 January 2017. (Photo by Elyxandro Cegarra/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

1. Defense

If no other claim can be supported, this should be one that all can agree upon. If Frank Ntilikina taps into his full potential, his 6’5″ size and 7’0″ wingspan should enable him to become the most dominant point guard defender to emerge from this draft class.

That will clearly take time, but if Ntilikina performs well on defense in 2017-18, that alone could be the foundation for a Rookie of the Year case.

Lonzo Ball, Markelle Fultz, and Dennis Smith Jr. will likely produce better offensive numbers than Ntilikina. If the Frenchman can post at least comparable statistics, however, the defensive advantage he projects to hold over his peers will begin to shine through.

If the New York Knicks are winning, Ntilikina is shining as a facilitator, and he’s defending at a high level, Rookie of the Year will be a realistic goal.

Ntilikina can overwhelm the average point guard by simply shuffling his feet and extending his arms. Locking players down may not come quite as easily, but between he and Kristaps Porzingis, the Knicks have two potentially elite defenders.

If that dynamic duo can lead New York to an average or above-average season on defense, it should compete for a playoff spot—and Ntilikina should receive a fair measure of hype.

Must Read: Frank Ntilikina is a giant at point guard

Rookie of the Year is an admittedly ambitious projection for a player who will likely encounter his fair share of hurdles, but New York Knicks point guard Frank Ntilikina has an outside shot at the award.

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