New York Knicks: Five players with the most to prove in training camp

1. Frank Ntilikina

Without question, the most to prove for the New York Knicks in training camp is Frank Ntilikina. His road to making an impression already began in the 2019 FIBA World Cup for France, averaging more points and a higher field goal percentage than his first two seasons in the Big Apple.

Whether or not that boosted his reputation with the organization, Ntilikina has an uphill battle for a role after failing to stand out in two seasons for a general manager, Scott Perry, who did not draft him in 2017. Along with Fizdale benching the 21-year-old guard twice and injuries taking over the second half of 2018-19, the road has proven difficult in and out of his control.

Payton and Smith’s presences will make point guard difficult to attain, so that is out the window. Ntilikina’s next-best bet is the two-guard spot, which Barrett, Ellington and Trier all fit in. The same for Dotson if he can crack the rotation.

Otherwise, it leaves Ntilikina at the end of the bench or in a defensive-specialist role, which the Knicks need. He did enough in the World Cup to warrant consideration for this, but it still takes playing in front of New York’s coaching staff to change his situation.

Training camp is also the next step towards the Frenchman potentially having his fourth-year team option exercised. The Knicks have until the end of October to decide, meaning each opportunity moving forward is crucial, whether it is camp, the preseason or the first few games of the regular season.