New York Knicks: The foundation has already been laid

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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 23: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks reacts to a call in the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves during their game at Madison Square Garden on March 23, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

The Defensive Specialist: Frank Ntilikina

Developing alongside Tim Hardaway Jr. is 2018 NBA Draft pick and defensive-minded combo guard Frank Ntilikina. The goal is to develop Ntilikina into a point guard, but he’s displayed the ability to defend all three perimeter positions during his early career.

His offensive game is still a work in progress, but the Frenchman is already one of the most versatile defenders in the NBA.

Every contender needs a player who can play legitimate lockdown defense along the perimeter. Even if he develops into an average offensive contributor, the first-year point guard has displayed the raw potential to fill that critical role in multiple phases.

Ntilikina has admittedly struggled to create efficient offense, but his defense has enabled the Knicks to be 1.8 points per 100 possessions better when he’s on the court.

By that same token, the Knicks outscored opponents by 4.0 points per 100 possessions when Hardaway and Porzingis were on the floor together. That number jumps to an insane net rating of +14.8 when Hardaway, Ntilikina, and Porzingis are all on the court.

In other words: The core of Hardaway, Ntilikina, and Porzingis has already begun to lead the Knicks to a postseason-caliber level of success.

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