Where does Frank Ntilikina fit into the New York Knicks’ plans?
The New York Knicks are off to a surprisingly good start, it is quite surprising considering that they have beaten some really good teams. One of the reasons for the encouraging start has been the play from the point guard position, which was considered an area of weakness before the season started.
Elfrid Payton (Elf), Immanuel Quickley, Austin Rivers, and even Frank Ntilikina have all played well. While that has been great for the team, it begs the question, is Frank’s run with the Knicks over?
The franchise’s 2017 lottery pick, the last reminisce of Phil Jackson and the triangle offense finally looked like he was figuring it out. But is it too little too late? Even the Frank Hive are going to have a hard time making a case to save the French Prince.
Point Guard Depth
While the Knicks haven’t found their point guard of the future, they have assembled a group of competent players to stabilize the position. Elf, who is considered the only true point guard of the group, has played well after a horrible start to the season. He has improved his 3-point shooting (35%) just enough to not be considered a liability to the entire offense. This has allowed the best part of his game, his ability to get into the paint, to impact the game.
Immanuel Quickley, a player that didn’t even play point guard at Kentucky, has been a God send. The early favorite to be the “steal of the draft” has played surprising well. He has been playing like a seasoned vet, making great decisions, and providing the sorely needed shooting gravity necessary to open up the offense.
Then there is Austin Rivers, a true combo guard that was considered an afterthought when the Knicks signed him to a 3yr/$10MM contract, with only the 1st year being guaranteed. He has provided veteran leadership and most importantly great play at critical times of the game. He has done everything from running the offense, to getting in the rim, to bombing away from behind the arc.
What about Frank?
Then there is Frank, who’s main issue is his lack of aggressiveness on offense. The confidence and tenacity he plays with on defense doesn’t translate to the other side of the court. He is too timid, doesn’t get into the paint enough and passes up too many open shots.
The reality is that his current skillset would standout on a team with great wing scorers that can bend a defense at will. But on a team void of stars like the Knicks, every player on the court needs to be a threat to score.
When Quickley came on the scene, the first thing I thought was, “this kid is doing everything I wish Frank would have done for the past 3 years.” On defense, Quickley is not as good as Ntilikina, but he is still a plus defender, which is more than enough.
The other issue is that even though the coaching staff thinks he is more suited to play off-the-ball, there isn’t a spot for him there either. Barrett is leading the NBA in minutes played with an average of 38.8 minutes per game, then there is Bullock and Burks, the two outside shooting wing vets that deserve minutes too.
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?
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.