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New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina is putting in the work to improve

By Maxwell Ogden

Milwaukee, WI - FEBRUARY 2: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 2, 2018 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
Milwaukee, WI - FEBRUARY 2: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 2, 2018 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks guard Frank Ntilikina enters the 2018 NBA offseason with a dire need to improve on offense. He’s putting in the work to do so.

The New York Knicks selected Frank Ntilikina at No. 8 overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. It was a polarizing decision by a front office regime that lost the trust of the public, which has unfortunately created a stigma for Ntilikina early in his career.

As Ntilikina enters an offseason that will determine the leap he makes during the 2018-19 campaign, he appears to be putting the necessary work in.

Standing at 6’5″ with a 7’0″ wingspan, Ntilikina has a physical advantage over a vast majority of the guards in the NBA. He did a solid job of getting to his spots in 2017-18, but hesitation drove him to the point of being inefficient as he failed to trust his abilities.

In an Instagram post by revered NBA trainer Chris Brickley, it was revealed that Ntilikina is putting in the work to improve his offensive game.

Training sessions can only tell one so much, but Ntilikina’s heralded work ethic is on full display as he prepares for his second NBA season.

Given his size and length, Ntilikina doesn’t necessarily need to develop a Kyrie Irving level handle. What will be vital to his success, however, is stabilizing his jump shot, improving his finishing ability at the rim, and handling the ball with confidence.

These training sessions will help Ntilikina develop an understanding of what he’s capable of as a scorer, which is the first significant step towards finding his identity.

At the very least, improving the efficiency with which he converts from beyond the arc would enable him to realize his 3-and-D potential.

It’s worth noting that Ntilikina seemed to become more comfortable in a scoring role as the 2017-18 season progressed. That includes averages of 8.8 points and 1.2 three-point field goals made per game on a slash line of .404/.350/.667 over his final 12 appearances.

It’s a small sample size, but if Ntilikina can produce in a similar manner during his sophomore season, it’d be a sign of progress.

Must Read: Top 10 2018 NBA Draft targets as of June 1

It may take time for Frank Ntilikina to realize his potential, but the New York Knicks have a player who’s willing to put the work in to one day do so.

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