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New York Knicks: Five realistic goals for Frank Ntilikina in 2018-19

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks calls out the play in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City.The Chicago Bulls defeated the New York Knicks 122-119 in double overtime. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks calls out the play in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City.The Chicago Bulls defeated the New York Knicks 122-119 in double overtime. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OR – MARCH 6: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks reacts to a play against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 6, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – MARCH 6: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks reacts to a play against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 6, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Frank Ntilikina will enter his sophomore season with the New York Knicks. What are realistic expectations for him in 2018-19?

The New York Knicks made Frank Ntilikina the No. 8 overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft, and after one season, he flashed enough promise to become a long-term member of the organization. Soon, though, the 2018-19 season will arrive and create higher expectations.

On a young team, Ntilikina has the chance to make a name for himself and carve out a role, especially amidst the team’s adversity to open the season.

What will it take to rise to the occasion, though? How can Ntilikina set his sights toward success in year two? Let’s take a look:

5. Continue to develop three-point range

When Frank Ntilikina entered the NBA, he brought physical skills to the New York Knicks, at 6-foot-5, with a seven-foot wingspan to create havoc on defense. However, questions surrounded the offensive side of the ball, with an emphasis on shooting.

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Before the 2017-18 season, Maxwell Ogden profiled Ntilikina’s need to develop a jump shot. While there were flashes, he only shot 36.4 percent from the field and 31.8 percent from three-point range. Hardly impressive numbers, but as a 19 year old, there’s room to grow.

For Ntilikina to fit into the modern-day NBA, he must find consistency from mid-range, given the 38.5 percent mark on two-pointers in 2017-18, and try to stretch his game to behind the arc. While two of these shots were taken per contest and topped 30 percent, it’s pedestrian compared to even the league’s good shooters.

If the Frenchman can take a step forward on offense, his role will look clearer as a starter, rather than the mold of Iman Shumpert, who once offered physical and defensive potential but never developed a consistent shot.

Crossing 40 percent shooting and 35 percent from three-point range are ballpark ranges for improvement and success in 2018-19. Can he hit those numbers?

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