New York Knicks: Encouraging statistics from 6-5 start

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ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 8: Frank Ntilikina #11 and Coach Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks speak during the game against the Orlando Magic on November 8, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Frank Ntilikina Is Already A Plus

As previously alluded to, Frank Ntilikina is averaging 5.0 assists per game and 9.1 assists per 36 minutes. Both numbers are indicative of the fact that Ntilikina has an early advantage over a vast majority of rookies as far as facilitating is concerned.

Beyond the invaluable ability to get his teammates involved as a facilitator, however, is the reality that Ntilikina has made a consistently positive impact on the games he’s played.

In the nine games Ntilikina has appeared in, the New York Knicks have accumulated a net rating of +4.8. When Ntilikina hasn’t been on the court, that number has plummeted to -6.0—a difference of 10.8 points per 100 possessions.

New York is not only 5.7 points per 100 possessions better on offense with Ntilikina on the court, but 5.1 points per 100 possessions worse on defense when he isn’t.

In addition to making a positive impact on the team, Ntilikina has bordered on dominance as a ball hawk. He ranks No. 3 in the NBA in deflections per 36 minutes, trailing just 6’9″ forwards Paul George and Robert Covington, and is averaging 2.8 steals per 36.

Coupled with his rare ability to legitimately lock players down during the fourth quarter—as a rookie, no less—Ntilikina is already thriving.

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