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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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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 12: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks defends against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on January 12, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 12: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks defends against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on January 12, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

3. Take advantage of increased versatility

Frank Ntilikina worked as a point guard for the New York Knicks in 2017-18 and averaged 3.2 assists per game. Given the players in place, however, he might not return to the one spot, but try to work out at shooting guard or small forward.

The aforementioned shooting struggles will sit with the second-year player, but he can still work as a defensive stopper, at the two spot, in certain lineups. That’s already a given, but what about an ascension from there?

According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, Ntilikina already grew from 6-foot-5 to 6-foot-6 and will be listed as the latter in the 2018-19 media guide. Any growth can help him defend larger opponents, which allows for increased versatility.

Not a “goal” per se, but Ntilikina must continue to prove the ability to work at multiple positions, even in the “positionless” NBA landscape. He already covered power forward in certain situations, but this might provide more frequent chances to do so.

With the wingspan already there, look for Ntilikina to reach another level of his defensive potential. This should happen from the season’s first game.

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