Fans have questioned why the New York Knicks chose Frank Ntilikina over prospects such as Malik Monk and Donovan Mitchell. Jeff Hornacek explained.
The New York Knicks received a great deal of criticism for the selection of rookie point guard Frank Ntilikina at the 2017 NBA Draft. While Ntilikina appealed to scouts on defense, he was selected ahead of dynamic offensive players such as Donovan Mitchell, Malik Monk, and Dennis Smith Jr.
With Mitchell and Smith in the midst of high-quality rookie seasons, the criticism has inevitably returned—and Jeff Hornacek is readily acknowledging it.
Like most players whom the Knicks acquire, Ntilikina has become a polarizing figure amongst fans. Some are of the belief that he can be the player whom New York needs him to be, while others can’t seem to get over the fact that other talented players were on the board at No. 8 overall.
According to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News, Hornacek stated that the rationale behind drafting Ntilikina was based more on the long-term vision than his immediate impact.
"“That was in the talks and in the debate. There’s guys that when you look at it are maybe more ready earlier. The projection when you’re looking at 19 year olds, the question is, ‘What’s he going to be five years from now?’” Hornacek said. “With Frank, he’s got great potential. He’s got length. He’s got the size. The NBA game will be new to him. Guys like Dennis Smith and Donovan Mitchell have kind of played the NBA style growing up.”"
For a team that’s hoping to find a player who can contribute for the next decade-plus, valuing the long-term over the short-term is a wise approach.
Ntilikina is currently averaging 5.3 points, 3.5 assists, 2.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.6 three-point field goals made in 20.7 minutes per game. Those marks translate to averages of 9.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.0 three-point field goal made per 36 minutes.
Due to the fact that those numbers don’t exactly jump off the page, many have been quick to write Ntilikina off as the wrong draft pick.
During those conversations, what’s been conveniently overlooked is the fact that he’s a 19-year-old rookie who’s nowhere near a finished product.
Ntilikina may not be the player whom the Knicks need him to be in the short-term, but his best years are ahead of him. He’s already proven to be a smothering on-ball defender and a fearless fourth quarter scorer, which is a combination of traits that few possess at the point guard position.
There’s no guaranteeing that Ntilikina will develop into the All-Star that players such as Mitchell, Monk, and Smith could become, but he has undeniable upside of his own.
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Through patience and persistence, Frank Ntilikina can work to become the player whom the New York Knicks most desperately need him to be.