Frank Ntilikina has been a big topic of conversation for the New York Knicks. He has been in-between positions his entire NBA career and has not given a real chance.
Recently, Ntilikina has participating in the FIBA World Cup basketball tournament for his home country, France. He has received praise for his ‘skill-set’ from his coach and teammates.
In group play, Ntilikina has averaged 9.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. These numbers are not stellar, but it is the type of consistency and start that Ntilikina needs.
He appears to be very comfortable in theFrance system. Their head coach, Vincent Collet, has complimented Ntilikna on his aggressiveness and avoiding hesitation. Collet believes in Ntilikina’s ability and it appears to be paying dividends as he trends upward. That is what the Knicks and David Fizdale need to do.
In France’s game against Jordan, Ntilkina appeared to be very confident in his shot. That is something that all Knicks fan want him to improve, along with his aggressiveness. His stroke looked smooth and there was no hesitation to shoot when getting the ball. Ntilikina was also continues to make it difficult for his opponents with his defense.
The confidence, aggressiveness and, overall, growth that Ntilkina is receiving in the FIBA World Cup is something that the Knicks can build on. The Knicks have had trouble finding how he fits in their system. Fizdale needs to take a look at his play throughout the tournament and coach him towards his strengths.
Every other point guard that has been in the Knicks system the last few seasons has got a legitimate shot. Why not Ntilikina now? He is still growing, developing, getting stronger and trying to become the NBA player that his France coach and teammates currently see.
Through the World Cup, Ntilikina needs to use the confidence he is gaining in his game towards a shot at becoming a vital role player for the Knicks. As it seems now, all of the work he has been putting forth on his game has been paying off.
The Knicks only have until this Halloween to pick up his $6.2 million option for next season for he becomes a unrestricted free-agent.