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New York Knicks: Players who need more playing time

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks calls out the play in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City.The Chicago Bulls defeated the New York Knicks 122-119 in double overtime. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks calls out the play in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City.The Chicago Bulls defeated the New York Knicks 122-119 in double overtime. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 8: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks drives the ball against Pascal Siakam #43 of against the Toronto Raptors in an NBA game at the Air Canada Centre on February 8, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 8: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks drives the ball against Pascal Siakam #43 of against the Toronto Raptors in an NBA game at the Air Canada Centre on February 8, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

Frank Ntilikina

Position: Point Guard
Age: 19 (7/28/1998)
Slash Line: .352/.326/.674
Season Averages: 20.0 MPG, 5.2 PPG, 3.3 APG, 2.1 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 0.6 3PM

The New York Knicks selected Frank Ntilikina at No. 8 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. The early return has been polarizing, as Ntilikina’s on-ball defense has earned rave reviews, but his lackluster offensive production has left most feeling underwhelmed.

With Kristaps Porzingis out for the season and the Knicks in need of a reason for long-term optimism, it’s time for the 2017 lottery pick to receive more opportunities.

Ntilikina’s minutes per game average increased in every season between October and December. There was a sharp decline between December and January, however, and the opportunities have continued to be scarce in February.

If the Knicks are going to make the most of the remainder of the 2017-18 NBA regular season, then developing Ntilikina must become the top priority.

Whether he plays alongside Emmanuel Mudiay, Trey Burke, or a traditional wing, Ntilikina should be featured on both ends of the floor. The offense may not be pretty, but the coaching staff should allow the rookie point guard to play through his flaws.

Whether he’s focused on scoring, facilitating, or simply pushing the pace, Ntilikina can make significant progress during the final two months of the season.

Must Read: 2018 NBA Draft sleepers to evaluate before March Madness

With a chance to build for the future, the New York Knicks should turn their undivided attention to grooming and developing the up and coming talent.

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