New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina producing at historic rate

New York Knicks rookie Frank Ntilikina is already making franchise history. It only took him 11 appearances to begin altering the record books.

The New York Knicks were maligned by the masses for selecting Frank Ntilikina at No. 8 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. The working theory was that New York needed a point guard who could score at a high level, and both Malik Monk and Dennis Smith Jr. were available to fill that void.

After just 13 regular season games, however, the Knicks are already seeing historic results from their European enigma.

When LeBron James joined in on questioning why New York passed on Smith, Ntilikina found himself in the spotlight. Matched up against James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, he answered the call by posting seven points, three rebounds, two assists, and six steals in just 24 minutes.

According to the official NBA Stats Twitter account, Ntilikina became the first Knicks rookie to record at least six steals in a single game since Mark Jackson in 1987.

30 years after Action Jackson set a rookie record, Ntilikina has stepped up to join him in early Knicks lore—and he’s done so by tying an NBA season-high.

That’s good company.

It’s worth noting that this is the second time in just 11 appearances that Ntilikina has recorded at least five steals in a single game. In turn, he’s already become the first Knicks rookie to put forth multiple games with at least five steals since Iman Shumpert in 2011-12.

Overall, Ntilikina is averaging 4.6 points, 4.7 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in just 20.5 minutes per game.

Despite playing just 20.5 minutes per game, Ntilikina ranks No. 3 in the NBA and No. 1 amongst rookies in steals per game. Those numbers may not jump off the page, but they translate to 8.1 points, 8.3 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.5 steals per 36 minutes.

It’s still early, but it’s worth noting that no rookie in NBA history has averaged at least 8.0 assists and 3.0 steals per 36 minutes.

Furthermore, Ntilikina is on pace to become the first rookie to average at least 2.0 steals per game since Ricky Rubio in 2011-12. The previous five rookies before Rubio to average at least 2.0 steals per game: Chris Paul, Brevin Knight, Allen Iverson, Eddie Jones, and Penny Hardaway.

Once again, Ntilikina finds himself in good company. 

Must Read: Who stepped up against the Cleveland Cavaliers?

Frank Ntilikina is still searching for his range as a scorer, but as far as facilitating and defense are concerned, the New York Knicks have found a gem.