Daily Knicks
Fansided

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

By Maxwell Ogden

Frank Ntilikina, New York Knicks (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Frank Ntilikina, New York Knicks (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Knicks
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 06: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks in action against Dennis Schroder #17 of the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden on March 06, 2020 in New York City. The Thunder defeated the Knicks 126-103. 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. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

3) Making The Game Easier For RJ Barrett

If RJ Barrett is going to become a true No. 1 player, he’ll need individuals around him who make the game easier to play. The most common thought is that he needs shooters who can provide spacing for a downhill player who needs room to operate.

What’s often overlooked, however, is how much energy Barrett would be able to save with a versatile defensive player working alongside him.

Ntilikina has proven on multiple occasions that he’s willing to take on challenges at any position from 1 to 3. He’s also proven capable of executing at a high level against the pick and roll, which is one of the most commonly utilized plays in the modern NBA.

By providing that level of versatility on defense, Ntilikina can make it so Barrett can switch and conserve energy for the offensive burden he carries.

For what it’s worth, Barrett himself has said he likes playing with Ntilikina, per Ian Begley of SNY:

"“I like it a lot,” Barrett said of playing with Ntilikina in the backcourt. “I understand his game a lot. (He’s a) European player – that’s kind of the way I played growing up. I feel like we understand each other.”"

If Barrett is the franchise player, quotes like this should be taken to heart.

That’s the crux of why Ntilikina is perfect for the Knicks: His role is easy to identify and it helps simplify the game for other players. He can operate as a defensive specialist who can take on multiple assignments, meaning individuals at multiple positions can find it easier to perform.

Compounded by the fact that he actually increased his field goal, two-point field goal, three-point field goal, and free throw percentages from 2018-19 to 2019-20, it’s clear that he’s willing to put the work in on offense, as well.

light. Related Story. Pros and Cons of signing DeMar DeRozan in 2020

Frank Ntilikina may never live up to his top-10 billing, but he’s one of the few players on the New York Knicks whose role can be defined as soon as today.

That makes him the type of player that a team without an identity desperately needs.

Home/Knicks News