New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina deserves to play through his struggles
He hasn’t progressed the way most hoped, but if he is to reach his ceiling, Frank Ntilikina needs to be able to learn from his mistakes on the court with the New York Knicks.
The beginning to Frank Ntilikina‘s career with the New York Knicks didn’t get off to the most sparkling start.
While the Frenchman flashed the defensive potential that made him the eighth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, his offense left much to be desired, as he seemed to lack aggressiveness without a reliable outside shot.
As tough as Ntilikina’s first-year struggles were, optimism still remained on the streets of New York City. No prospect comes into the league at their ceiling, and with a summer of work, it was believed that Ntilikina could improve enough to silence the skeptics.
26 games into the 2018-19 season, Ntilikina’s sophomore campaign appears to be worse than his first, including a decrease in both field goal and 3-point percentage with multiple DNP’s to his name.
For whatever reason, it seems as though the 20-year-old point guard has fallen out of favor with head coach David Fizdale. When asked about his most recent zero-minute performance — which featured plenty of garbage-time opportunities — Fizdale’s answer wasn’t all that reassuring.
Fizdale, asked why not turn to Ntilikina when defense isn't working: "Maybe, I probably should have. I can always look at him. It ain’t like he’s out though. Again, it’s going to be a long season. Frank will be getting his opportunities again."
— Steve Popper (@StevePopper) December 7, 2018
There is some truth to this quote. With more than 50 games left in the season, Ntilikina will probably see the court at least one more time, but why he isn’t in the present is baffling Knicks fans everywhere.
Fizdale has stressed the ideology that minutes would have to be earned. If such were the case, then explain why Mario Hezonja — who hasn’t cracked double-digit scoring in the last three games — and Allonzo Trier — who’s experienced a similar struggle through the last four — haven’t faced repercussions to the same extent as Ntilikina?
Or maybe let’s discuss how the perimeter players who actually got minutes Thursday night against the Boston Celtics played a part in allowing 69 points in the first half and 128 overall on 53.3 percent shooting from the field.
This kid is supposed to be the organization’s point guard of the future. Both coaches and players tend to stress the importance of viewing the game from afar as a way to soak up more knowledge, but it will never overtake playing time as the best teacher available.
Frank Ntilikina, usually chill, was as demonstrative with the media today as I've seen him. He was antagonistic when questioned about how he's holding up after 2 DNPs. Don't know if it was questioning or frustration or the situation. Don't think it's a bad thing either.
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) December 5, 2018
Ntilikina is by no means perfect. Among other things, his outside shot has failed to progress and he still seems uncomfortable initiating the offense, but how is he supposed to improve on those flaws without in-game reps that will callus him to specific scenarios?
Next. 25 greatest players in franchise history. dark
If the New York Knicks want this youngster to become a valuable piece moving forward, they first have to see what exactly it is he can do, and while it may involve biting the tongue on a lot of down moments, it should ultimately allow Ntilikina to learn from both the highs and lows in order to develop as a basketball player.