New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina’s development to be on display in Summer League
The development of New York Knicks guard Frank Ntilikina will be assessed as the 19-year-old begins his second NBA season at Summer League.
Saturday marks the beginning of the 2018 Summer League for the New York Knicks. New York will face the Atlanta Hawks in Las Vegas.
The beginning of Summer League, however, brings more than just the anticipated debuts of the recently drafted Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson. This weekend will also provide Knicks fans with their first opportunity to see how guard Frank Ntilikina has improved over the past three months.
As Phil Jackson‘s last first-round selection as an executive for the Knicks, Ntilikina entered the Association last year as a prospect with high upside as a defensive stopper and playmaker. His rookie year was marked by averages of 5.3 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.3 rebounds in 21.9 minutes per game.
His immediate value in the league was found on the defensive end on the floor, where opponents raved about his energy and length.
Kyrie Irving on Frank Ntilikina: “He’s a great on ball defender, man. Very long. Very active. Not afraid of the big moments. Just a developing young player. Can’t wait to play against him more times throughout this league.”
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) December 22, 2017
Since his rookie year ended, much has been made of how big of a leap he will make in his second year—especially at the offensive end of the floor. Ntilikina will need to improve as a ball-handler, shooter, and playmaker if he wants to become the future of the point guard position in New York.
David Fizdale has focused on improving the skills of his young guard. He’s also encouraged Ntilikina to take a different mental approach to the game this coming year.
Al Iannazzone of Newsday reported earlier this week that the newly hired head coach has tried to instill some aggressiveness into Ntilikina entering Summer League.
"“Fizdale believes that through tape work, drills and his system, combined with constant reminders to Ntilikina, it will sink in and he will become more effective and versatile. Maybe that has already started. Fizdale said Ntilikina was ‘super-aggressive’ in Wednesday’s practice.”"
Although the Summer League will not be an indictment of how the second season in New York will turn out for the 19-year-old, it will serve as an opportunity to track Ntilikina’s improvement as he approaches his 20th birthday.
He’s been working with Chris Brickley, one of the NBA’s top trainers, to improve his offensive averages and underwhelming shooting percentages of 36.4 percent from the floor and 31.8 percent from three.
The Knicks start their Summer League schedule on Saturday against the Hawks, before facing the Jazz on Sunday night and the Lakers on Tuesday. The team, especially Ntilikina, will offer a glimpse into how well the rebuild in New York is progressing.
Over the years, it’s proven to be unfair to judge a prospect solely on their performance at the NBA Summer League.
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Frank Ntilikina does, however, have the opportunity to create buzz about a second-year leap for himself, and show both the front office and the fan base that he can establish himself as the lead guard of the future for the New York Knicks.