New York Knicks: The real reason Frank Ntilikina is playing two guard
The notion that Frank Ntilikina is no longer seen as a point guard is an overreaction. Ntilikina’s move to off guard could prove beneficial to running point down the road.
The assumption that New York Knicks rookie Frank Ntilikina is now being seen as more of a 2 guard is jumping the gun. The recent move is more about getting a good look at Trey Burke and Emmanuel Mudaiy.
This lineup change would not have been made without the acquisition of those two players. They’re fighting to prove they still belong in the NBA and are pushing for consideration to be part of the Knicks’ long-term vision.
When Burke and Mudiay came into the league, they were basically given the starting job on their respective teams. They’ve always been the primary ball-handlers everywhere they’ve played.
For those displeased with the fact that Ntilikina hasn’t been starting, it shouldn’t be seen as something that’s damaging his development. Ntilikina’s move to playing off the ball is not as drastic an adjustment as having the other 2 do so.
Since so much focus has been on Ntilikina playing point guard, his versatility has been overlooked. Ntilikina playing alongside Burke or Mudiay will provide an additional perspective at all the nuances of being the point guard.
If he can figure out ways to be effective off the ball, it will enhance his ability to teach teammates how to open up the floor to create easier opportunities.
Throughout the season, Ntilikina has been urged to be more aggressive in looking for his own shot. This aspect of his game doesn’t come naturally due to his unselfish nature. He’s displayed great court vision and his ability to pass shouldn’t be questioned.
Struggling to establish himself as a scoring threat is what has hindered his ability to run point the most. Playing primarily off the ball allows him to focus on that part of his game. Once he becomes a more natural scorer, being able to run the point would be much easier.
Knowing how to pick his spots will be the key to his development.
Similar to Kristaps Porzingis after his rookie year, Ntilikina needs to get stronger as pointed out by head coach Jeff Hornacek.
Jeff Hornacek says the Knicks would like to see Frank Ntilikina get stronger this summer. They’d also like him to play some pickup basketball. Klay Thompson on Frank: “He’s got tremendous potential. Anytime you’re in the NBA at 19, you’re doing something right.” More here: pic.twitter.com/XDmrQNyybL
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 27, 2018
As the season winds down, coaches and management have a good idea of what Ntilikina needs to work on in the offseason to take his game to the next level. The physical nature of the NBA is a tough adjustment for some that fits the description mentioned by Jeff Hornacek.
Ntilinkina’s development and adjustment will take some time, unlike the adjustments opposing team’s have made to contain him.
The rest of this season will be about the three guards building cohesion. Learning how to feed off each other so they can come into next season with a better idea of how they can propel the team forward.
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Regardless of which position Frank Ntilikina plays in 2017-18, the New York Knicks haven’t given up on the idea that he can play point guard.