In 2017, at the time of the NBA Draft, Frank Ntilikina almost joined the Mavericks, who chose Dennis Smith Jr. in ninth position just behind the Knicks. Four years later, Franky is finally in Dallas, where he hopes to take advantage of the presence of coach and former legend Jason Kidd to take a step forward.
Obviously, it felt a little weird. As much for him as for us. Earlier this week, during the Mavericks’ Media Day, Frank Ntilikina appeared for the first time in the Dallas jersey, he who had only known the colors of New York since his arrival in the NBA four years ago. Signed at the end of the off-season by the Texas franchise (for two years but only a guarantee), the French Prince hopes to take advantage of his new environment to launch a career that has struggled to take off in the Big Apple. And we, obviously, we can’t wait to see what Franky can give outside of the New York universe, in a new franchise where he will probably feel less of the pressure accompanying his status of number 8 in the draft. It is especially for this reason that we especially listened when the coach Jason Kidd spoke about Frank to local media. Like Ntilikina, Kidd is new to Dallas. Finally “new”, so to speak because he knows the Texas franchise very well, he who played for the Mavs twice during his playing career, even winning an NBA title in 2011 alongside Dirk Nowitzki. But he’s new to his position as Dallas coach and obviously, he seems to want to count on the services of Ntilikina, used very little in New York last season (only 9.8 minutes on average in 33 games).
“He is a young player that we will help develop and who has the means to help us on both sides of the field. He’s a young man who is long, who knows how to play, and we hope to be able to develop him so that he becomes one of the pieces that can come out of the bench or even be a starter at some point. I think having another playmaker can help us. “
– Jason Kidd, via Mavs.com
We are not going to ignite and immediately imagine a Franky in the five of the Mavs alongside Luka Doncic. On the backcourt, the Dallas team has a few people with Tim Hardaway Jr., Jalen Brunson, Trey Burke, Sterling Brown or even young Tyrell Terry and Josh Green. However, it feels good to hear that, even if that doesn’t guarantee anything of course. All Ntilikina can ask for today is an opportunity to show off his defensive qualities, and hopefully his progress in attack. Frank told Media Day he’s excited about this new start and is happy to be able to learn under a big name like Jason Kidd.
“It’s really exciting to be coached by a former player, especially him who is one of the best point guard in history. He was a very good defender, and very intelligent. I really want to learn from him to improve myself, I plan to ask him a lot of questions about his way of seeing the game. That’s what made him special. For me, to take a step in my career and develop myself, it’s really a good thing to be coached by him. “
If Jason Kidd is less renowned for his qualities as a coach than for his qualities as a player, there is no doubt that he represents a reference in the post of playmaker. Ten times All-Star, five times best passer in the NBA , a triple-double specialist and nine times in one of the two best defensive teams of the season, J-Kidd was a maestro in his time. When it comes to decision making and impact on both sides of the pitch, Frank is bound to learn a lot.. It will change Elfrid Payton and Trey Burke (even if this one is also… in Dallas) that he was able to meet in New York. But Ntilikina doesn’t just have bad memories of her time at the Knicks. In Dallas, he will be able to find former friends like Tim Hardaway Jr., Kristaps Porzingis or Reggie Bullock, who are helping him today in his adaptation to Dallas.
“It makes things a lot easier for me. The first time in a new environment, it’s always special. I was in New York for four years, so I got used to life there, the gym and stuff. Now there are new colors, new faces. So of course, seeing faces that I know and former teammates is already helping me with my adaptation. “
New environment, new colors, new start. This is undoubtedly what Frank Ntilikina needed to hope to advance in his career and progress in the various sectors of the game. We keep our fingers crossed that the influence of Jason Kidd will help him in his development, and that he obtains a role other than that of bench driver as was the case last year in New York.
Source texte : Media Day Mavericks
The French Prince of Dallas ????????@chime | #MFFL pic.twitter.com/7y0gHILpw6
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) September 17, 2021
