New York Knicks: Tony Parker praises Frank Ntilikina
San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker was inevitably asked about New York Knicks rookie Frank Ntilikina. Parker offered praise for the French phenom.
New York Knicks point guard Frank Ntilikina is looking to follow in the footsteps of one of the greatest players in NBA history. While he may not pattern his game after the San Antonio Spurs legend, Ntilikina knows how big of shoes Tony Parker will one day leave to fill.
On Thursday, Dec. 28, the basketball world received its first glimpse of what a future with Ntilikina as the face of French basketball could look like.
While some are beginning to change their tune when discussing Ntilikina, Parker saw his success coming. He attempted to sign the 19-year-old to the team he owns in Lyon, and took on something of a mentorship role when Ntilikina was preparing for his rookie season.
According to Al Iannazzone of Newsday, Parker believes Ntilikina can be successful in the NBA if New York remains patient with his development.
"“He’s a great defender, he’s got length. That’s always good to start your career, to be good defensively. Offense will come. It’s his first year, so he needs to go around the league one time and get used to all the point guards. I think he’s got all the right stuff. I don’t know if New York will be patient. But I think he can be successful in this league.”"
From the greatest French player in NBA history to one of the faces of the new generation, those are powerful words of high praise.
Ntilikina has been solid throughout his rookie season, displaying his versatility as a playmaker and his advanced proficiency as an on-ball defender. Thus far in 2017-18, he’s averaging 10.1 points, 5.9 assists, 3.7 rebounds, 2.3 steals, and 1.1 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes.
Ntilikina is still in the process of finding his range as a scorer, but he’s earned the respect of his peers with his overwhelming presence on the defensive end of the floor.
It often takes players multiple seasons to establish themselves defensively, but Ntilikina has already made strides towards doing so as a rookie.
As for Parker, he’s pieced together a career that should have him enshrined into the Hall of Fame. He’s won four NBA championships and a Finals MVP award, and has four All-NBA nods and six All-Star Game appearances to round out his legendary resume
As Jeff Hornacek put it, per Iannazzone: “Hopefully [Ntilikina] turns out to be as close to Tony as possible. We’ll take it.”
Must Read: Latest trade buzz from around the NBA
If not, the New York Knicks will still have a point guard who qualifies for one of the most potent adjectives in sports: Unique. Frank Ntilikina has the tools to be special.