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New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina benching only a temporary matter

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 17: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on December 17, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 17: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on December 17, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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After another stretch of struggles, the New York Knicks benched Frank Ntiliina for their Christmas Day game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The development, or lack thereof, in Frank Ntilikina’s second season with the New York Knicks has become a topic of conversation. While struggling mightily offensively, head coach David Fizdale toyed with the sophomore’s role in the rotation, which was not the case in 2017-18.

Ntilikina was yanked from the rotation for three games, with the idea to re-energize his offensive game after consecutive scoreless outings. That happened, but he quickly reverted to low-scoring performances.

Well, with the spotlight on the Knicks on Christmas Day, Fizdale removed Ntiliina from the rotation for the second time this season. Instead, Trey Burke, who was on the outside looking in before the holiday, played against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Why this route of decision? Per ESPN’s Ian Begley, Fizdale noted Ntilikina’s recent struggles as the reason, but said “it’s never meant to be a permanent thing.” He also wants to look at Burke, since he’s still just a few games past returning from a knee sprain.

For Ntilikina, while only involved in a temporary situation, it still represents another setback in his road to overcome criticism that’s sat with him throughout the season.

Everything started positive for the 20-year-old to open the season. Fizdale was intrigued by how he could use the Frenchman in the lineup and never wanted to force his development towards something outside his comfort level.

However, the focus on Ntilikina weakened when he lost his starting spot. Being on the bench, his playing time only decreased by the game, and led to a demotion that spelled the lowest point of this player’s young career.

The consistent part of this saga, maintaining Ntilikina’s “confidence.” Fizdale just preached this, and president Steve Mills even spoke out about it. 

It is difficult to see how a second demotion to the bench positively impacts his confidence. While Ntilikina’s offensive numbers do not stand out since his 18-point outing earlier this month, he’s still young enough to learn. How the Knicks treat him, though, will undoubtedly be a storyline as the second half of the season nears.

The Knicks will play on Thursday, Dec. 26. Their Christmas Day game resulted in a losing effort, so it could be an opportunity for Ntilikina to reinsert himself into the rotation and use the benching as motivation. If so, it becomes about sustainability.

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