New York Knicks: Killian Hayes has a mentor in Frank Ntilikina

Imagine the New York Knicks with a French backcourt of Killian Hayes and Frank Ntilikina.

NBA prospect Killian Hayes told reporters over Zoom this week that he has received advice from New York Knicks guard and fellow countryman Frank Ntilikina about his NBA future.

"“I’ve known Frank for a long time now,” Hayes told reporters via SNY. “He told me a lot about what it takes to stay in the NBA.”"

The 19-year-old guard, Hayes, says he has interviewed with the Knicks in prep of the 2020 NBA Draft. New York is set to pick 8th overall, which, depending on the mock draft you trust most, could put them in position to select Hayes. There is a wide-ranging view of where the 6-foot-5 guard could be drafted.

Knicks Twitter might break if French guard Killian Hayes finds his way to Madison Square Garden to play next to Frank Ntilikina next season. If you are an active member of the social media community, you know what I’m talking about. Fans seems to have very strong opinions, one way or the other, about both Ntilikina’s and Hayes’s upside.

Hayes spent this past season playing for Ulm of the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL) in Germany. He won a Gold Medal and MVP Award with France at the 2017 FIBA U16 European Championship. He has proven, from a very young age, his ability to compete on the international stage. The question is whether his game translates against NBA competition.

Adding Hayes to a roster that already includes a familiar face in Ntilikina could help the young guard transition into NBA life, something that Ntilikina has indicated was challenging for him.

New York has a decision to make on Ntilikina’s long-term future with the team as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. It’s possible the team offers him an extension before the season begins.

The Knicks are set to make three selections in the upcoming draft. Beyond their lottery pick, they hold the Clippers’ first round pick (27th overall), along with an early second round pick (38th overall). The draft is currently scheduled for November 18.