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New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina motivated by Rising Stars Challenge appearance

By Maxwell Ogden

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 15: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks poses for a portrait as part of the 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend on February 15, 2018 at the Mariott in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 15: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks poses for a portrait as part of the 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend on February 15, 2018 at the Mariott in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks point guard Frank Ntilikina will appear in the 2018 Rising Stars Challenge. The rookie is motivated by the opportunity he’s received.

The 2017-18 NBA regular season has been flush with reasons for the New York Knicks to be discouraged. Kristaps Porzingis suffered a season-ending knee injury, the third quarter has been the source of misery, and the postseason doesn’t appear to be a realistic goal.

As All-Star Weekend arrives, however, the Knicks will receive a glimpse of the future when Frank Ntilikina takes part in the festivities.

Ntilikina was selected as one of the participants in the 2018 Rising Stars Challenge. He’ll represent the Knicks on Team World, where he’ll be joined by the likes of Joel Embiid of Cameroon, Lauri Markkanen of Finland, Jamal Murray of Canada, and Ben Simmons of Australia.

According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, Ntilikina is proud to be participating in the Rising Stars Challenge.

Perhaps more importantly, he’s motivated to come back as an even better player in 2019.

"“Coaches select these teams, I’m thankful and proud of it,’’ Ntilikina said. “I showed a lot of great things even if my potential is not here yet. I didn’t reach it yet. I’m going to enjoy this and it’s going to motivate me to come back better.’’"

Ntilikina has produced a somewhat polarizing rookie season, but his attitude through it all has been that of a player who will find his way.

Ntilikina has experienced his share of ups and downs on offense, but his defense is what’s earned him a place in this game. Some of the biggest names in basketball have praised his on-ball abilities, including Kyrie Irving and Tony Parker.

Standing at 6’5″ with a 7’0″ wingspan, Ntilikina has an uncanny ability to contain slashers, contest jump shots, and switch seamlessly on to players at almost every position.

Ntilikina is also averaging a more than respectable 1.7 steals per 36 minutes, which ranks sixth amongst rookies who have appeared in at least 30 games.

Offensively, Ntilikina has displayed a unique ability to facilitate via the pick and roll, as well as a fearlessness in the clutch. The intriguing change in recent games has been the 19-year-old’s shift to a different position.

With Emmanuel Mudiay running point and Ntilikina at the 2, the Knicks are beginning to see a new side of their 2017 lottery pick.

Must Read: Top 5 2018 NBA Draft options entering the All-Star Break

Thankfully, the New York Knicks found a fierce competitor who strives for greatness in Frank Ntilikina.

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