
The New York Knicks have until Halloween to pick up Frank Ntilikina’s fourth year, 2020-21 team option. That season Ntilikina is scheduled to make $6.2 million. The Knicks have then a qualifying offer for $8.3 million in 2021-22. If not offered, Ntilikina becomes a unrestricted free-agent.
The Knicks will have a pretty big decision to make when it comes to Ntilikina’s future. Solely based on his performance in the FIBA World Cup, his fourth year option should be picked up.
Ntilikina has proven that he is growing as a player. His confidence continues to grow along with his aggressiveness to get to the rim. Ntilikina is averaging 7.7 points per game, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals during the tournament. He is also shooting over 40% beyond in the arc.
Despite all the positives that are coming out FIBA for Ntilikina, he is still developing. Ntilikina is a few years away from being a above average starter, but he will get there.
In his biggest game against the USA, Ntilikina drove the ball well in the second half and had a confident shot. Driving to the rim is not his first or second instinct. But, it is something he has been working on and seems to have the ability to improve when putting the work in.
If Ntilikina is able to bring all his improvements to the NBA this season, he should get 15-20 per game this season. The Knicks organization need to be watching when France plays to see the progression of Ntilikina. Knicks fans have definitely been watching, lets hope David Fizdale has been too.