New York Knicks: Is it the end of the road for Frank Ntilikina?
By Ken Tavarez
Can the Knicks keep Frank?
While this trio of players is going to make it hard for Ntilikina to get back in the lineup. it doesn’t mean it’s over for the fan favorite. Despite being designated as an off-the-ball guard by Thibs early in preseason, most of his minutes have been at point guard due to injuries to Rivers and Quickley. This has resulted in Frank playing 82% of his minutes at the point guard position in the 4 games he has played. All the Knicks have done is win the games in which he has played significant minutes. Aside from being an all world defender, he has shot well, 55.6% from behind the arc on 9 shots.
With what he has shown, you would think there would be a trade market for him, but the reality is that any team interested in Frank is not going to give up more than a 2nd round pick or a player that is also on a rookie contract that hasn’t worked out. I thought Detroit might be a team that could be interested in his services since their last two 1st round picks are French. Frank is a good role player that could help further Killian Hayes and Sekou Doumbouya’s development. However, with Hayes being out for the rest of the season, the incentive might not be there.
If Frank stays, his best chance to get back in the lineup is if Elf’s play falters. Payton’s decision making still leaves a lot to be desired as his mental approach to the game offsets his athletic ability. So if Elf isn’t shooting well, you might as well play Frank.
While Frank is not under contract for next season, he won’t command much interest as a restricted free agent, so he shouldn’t cost much to retain. The question is who do the Knicks moved on from next season?
4 bench players who have thrived. dark. Next
Rivers and Quickley look like locks to return; however, Elf is not. He is also not a good fit with Barrett for reasons already mentioned. At the wing position, I could see the Knicks moving on from Reggie Bullock who doesn’t seem like a long term fit. Having these two leave could open up minutes for Frank. But his best chance to earn a significant role is to simply out play Rivers, which right now looks like a tall order.