New York Knicks: Who is the 2018 preseason most important for?

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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 23: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 23, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Frank Ntilikina

Frank Ntilikina entered 2017-18 with high expectations as the No. 8 pick of the draft. Only a raw guard from France, he flashed the physical tools to be special, but struggled on the offensive end at 36.4 percent from the field and 31.8 percent on three-pointers for 5.9 points.

An important sophomore year lies ahead for Ntilikina, with potential improvement on offense to take that next step for the New York Knicks. It starts in the preseason where there’s much to prove.

The Knicks announced the starting lineup ahead of Monday’s preseason opener against the Washington Wizards, and it did not include Ntilikina. Trey Burke will start at point guard, a potential indication for what will happen on opening night.

Does this indicate anything for Ntilikina? It’s only one game,and a meaningless 48 minutes towards the official record, but it’s his battle for rotation placement to open the season, especially with Emmanuel Mudiay’s quest for a role.

So in however many minutes, Ntiikina receives against Washington and the other preseason opponents, it’s time for him to capitalize and showcase the changes to his game. If not, he should still receive a role to open the season, but potentially not an extensive one.

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