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New York Knicks: Handing out awards at quarter-mark of 2017-18 season

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 27: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 27, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 27: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 27, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 20: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the game against the LA Clippers on November 20, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 20: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the game against the LA Clippers on November 20, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Rookie of the Year: Frank Ntilikina

This was an open and shut case, as Frank Ntilikina has become the clear favorite to win the team-specific Rookie of the Year award. Although he’s encountered a bit of a rookie wall, Ntilikina has played at a higher level than anyone expected him to this early in his career.

Between his advanced defense and his mature approach to facilitating, Ntilikina has been a pleasant surprise and the team’s early Rookie of the Year.

Damyean Dotson has played well in his limited action, but Ntilikina is the clear choice here. His numbers aren’t jumping off the page, but he’s appeared in 18 of the Knicks’ 21 games, playing an average of 19.0 minutes per contest.

During his time on the court, Ntilikina has amassed averages of 8.9 points, 6.3 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.6 steals per 36 minutes.

Ntilikina’s ability to create for others and defend his position at a high level have made him a valuable contributor. He’s helped with the early stages of establishing the defensive-minded culture, and has taken an unselfish approach to offensive execution.

Ntilikina must become a better shooter and a more willing scorer, but his court vision and defensive prowess already rank amongst the best in his rookie class.

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