Mary Altaffer / Associated Press
Despite filming in three disappointing seasons to begin his NBA career, Frank Ntilikina is reportedly still part of the New York Knicks’ plans.
Marc Berman from New York Post reported that the new president of basketball operations Leon Rose sees Ntilikina become a “precious piece. “Rose was Ntilikina’s first agent as an NBA player before he was fired in 2019. It appears that all hurt feelings were healed based on Rose and Ntilikina’s public comments about each other.
“I know Leon, very professional in what he does. He is a good boy. We can trust him, I think, “Ntilikina told reporters in March.” We all want the best for the team. So we are all moving in the same direction. Leon is an expert in his work. He knows what he’s doing. He was a great agent and I’m sure he will do great things here. “
Rose told MSG Network he thinks Ntilikina can “truly thrive” in the right situation.
Selected eighth in the 2017 NBA draft (five points ahead of Donovan Mitchell and six before Bam Adebayo), Ntilikina has struggled to find his foot in the United States. The Frenchman was among the worst offensive rotation players in basketball, shooting 36.6 percent for his career and struggling to develop as a director.
While Ntilikina is a strong defender who can defend multiple positions thanks to his seven-foot wingspan, it was difficult to keep him on the ground in situations of great leverage because of his offensive troubles.
That said, Ntilikina is among the best in the role of the defensive-minded Tom Thibodeau, widely regarded as the favorite for the Knicks’ coaching job. Thibodeau and Rose have a friendship that has lasted for two decades. Ntilikina is the type of wing defender who can thrive underneath Thibodeau, famous for his defensive acumen and ability to train players on the sidelines.
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