New York Knicks: LeBron James praises Frank Ntilikina
Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James offered praise for New York Knicks rookie Frank Ntilikina and his cerebral approach to the game.
It wasn’t long ago that starting center Enes Kanter won over New York Knicks fans by defending Frank Ntilikina against LeBron James. The four-time MVP took multiple shots at Ntilikina; one being inadvertent through the media and the others intentional on the court.
Ahead of the rematch between the Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, April 9, however, James had nothing but praise for the rookie.
Ntilikina hasn’t produced the most awe-inspiring numbers, but he’s garnered consistent praise from around the NBA. The likes of Kyrie Irving, Tony Parker, and Gregg Popovich have heralded his poise and defensive prowess.
In a pre-game interview with local reporters, James joined the fray by giving a deep and advanced evaluation of Ntilikina’s developing game.
"“I think he knows how to play the game. That’s the best thing, first of all. He’s a very cerebral basketball player. I think, defensively, he’s more advanced than offensively. But I think he’s getting better and better offensively as he’s gotten more opportunity and played more games.”"
James continued:
"“I think every game, more and more, he gets the opportunity to play. More and more, he gets comfortable with the NBA game; his offensive game is getting better. Defensively he’s been good since he probably stepped on a basketball floor…”"
Knicks fans may not love James, but he may have offered the best possible word for Ntilikina’s approach and overall game: Cerebral.
Ntilikina was criticized early for being too passive, but the issue wasn’t necessarily that he was too often deferring to his teammates. He was overthinking the game and thus missing opportunities to make the reactionary plays that define the pace of the NBA.
As time has passed, however, his understanding of the game has improved and his response time to opportunities to make a play has decreased.
The cerebral nature of Ntilikina’s game is now enabling him to prosper instead of permitting the overthinking that previously hindered his efficiency.
As for James, one could skeptically argue that this is a measure of damage control by a player who has been known to control the narrative. James previously stated that the Knicks made a mistake by not drafting Dennis Smith Jr., which was immediately followed by an in-game attempt to bully Ntilikina.
On April 9, however, Ntilikina went at the Cavaliers and posted the best performance of his promising young career, thus validating the comments by the four-time MVP.
Must Read: Frank Ntilikina flashes star potential
LeBron James is beginning to see what New York Knicks fans will ideally soon notice: Frank Ntilikina has the tools to be special.