NY Knicks: 3 reasons why Frank Ntilikina is type of player NY needs

Frank Ntilikina is the most polarizing player on the New York Knicks. Despite his limitations, he’s the type of player that this team desperately needs.

Who are the New York Knicks?

That’s admittedly a loaded question, but it’s one that needs to be asked.

As it presently stands, the Knicks are a team with players who do some things well, but don’t exactly have identities or roles to operate and grow within. There are shooters who are played as scorers, slashers who are utilized as playmakers, and defensive specialists who are benched for their offensive limitations.

In turn, the Knicks as a team lack an identity—or a culture, or a role within the construct that is the general NBA hierarchy.

Clearly, the primary role that needs to be filled is that of a No. 1 player. Once the Knicks know who to build around or even play through down the stretch of games, it stands to reason that everything else will fall into place.

For example: Kevin Knox could get back on the right developmental track if he knows how he’s supposed to play within the outline of a more defined role with the team.

Despite this being a generally agreed-upon stance, defensive specialist Frank Ntilikina is public enemy No. 1 in the eyes of many. Most cite where he was drafted as the reason for discourse, as he simply hasn’t lived up to the hype of a former top-10 draft pick.

Even if we ignore the fact that he’s still just 21 years of age, however, Ntilikina is the exact type of player this team needs. Let’s review three reasons why.