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New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina’s injury impact, however long he’s out

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 29: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 29, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 29: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 29, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Frank Ntilikina is the latest point guard to be sidelined. What’s the effect on the New York Knicks’ ever-changing position?

In Sunday’s game against the Boston Celtics, Frank Ntilikina left early with an upper-back injury and did not return. He eventually sat out of Monday’s New York Knicks loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on the road.

No Ntilikina shakes up the point guard position, again. What does it mean? Let’s take a look:

A heavy dosage of DSJ

To no surprise, Dennis Smith Jr. racked up minutes when Ntilikina went down on Dec. 1, compiling 38 minutes for 17 points and seven assists on 6-for-11 shooting. There was no healthy backup, leaving the third-year guard with plenty of time.

Against Milwaukee, Smith Jr. had another 26 minutes. These high turnouts boost what was a career-low on-court turnout of fewer than 20 minutes per game, so for however long Ntilikina is out, the North Carolina State product will have the chance to pad his stats in a starting role.

Welcome back, Kadeem Allen

With no point guards down, the Knicks called up Kadeem Allen, one of their two-way players. He had been with the G League’s Westchester Knicks, averaging 11.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game on 39.7 percent shooting and 32 percent on three-pointers.

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Coach David Fizdale already provided Allen with steady time, playing the third-year guard 16 minutes against the Bucks for nine points, two assists, and one steal.

As long as New York is down multiple point guards, Allen will have an opportunity to shine. It won’t mean much since he can’t stay on the main roster for more than 45 days, but making an impression is still viable in the interim.

In a prolonged absence, what if Elfrid Payton returns?

If this back injury creates a prolonged absence for Ntilikina, it could leave enough time for Elfrid Payton to return from a strained hamstring. That would not only clog the point guard rotation but allow the 2019 offseason acquisition to step in and recoup lost minutes.

It’s unfortunate timing for Ntilikina, who could fight for his starting job if Payton succeeds and Smith Jr. is solid. Perhaps neither player is productive, making the situation easier upon return for Fizdale, who’s already shuffling the shooting guard rotation.

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Ntilikina’s injury impact has already begun. The New York Knicks have not announced his status for Thursday’s game against the Denver Nuggets, but there is an outlook if something changes in the next 48 hours.

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