With David Fizdale as the new head coach, one important storyline to watch will be how he helps teenage point guard Frank Ntilikina develop, Marc Berman of the New York Post writes. Ntilikina was the Knicks’ first-round pick (eighth overall) under the previous administration last year and his development will be key to New York’s future.
The Frenchman averaged 5.9 PPG and 3.2 APG in 78 games this season while showing potential on the defensive end. Fizdale made a series of media appearances, praising Ntilikina’s potential and being eager to coach him. In particular, Fizdale touted Ntilikina’s ability on both sides of the ball during an interview with ESPN.
“I see a possibility with a two-way player,’’ Fizdale said. “The kid takes real pride in defending. He’s got big-time wingspan. He’s a combo guard. We get him where he’s knocking down that three-ball every single time with his feet set, his shot always looks pretty good. I think he’s too unselfish. But he has the competitive streak I really like.”
Check out more Atlantic Division notes below:
- J.J. Redick will be an interesting free agent to watch this summer after he was an important veteran presence for a young Sixers team. Frank Urbina of HoopsHype looks at four potential destinations for Redick this summer, including the Lakers, Cavaliers, Spurs, and reunion with the Sixers.
- Dennis Chambers of Basketball Insiders writes that after a strong season that included a first-round postseason win and a strong effort versus the Celtics, the Sixers will need to be persistent. Chambers writes that Philadelphia’s young stars will need to develop their skill sets and that the organization will need to recruit outside talent.
- In an earlier post of Atlantic Division notes, we relayed the Celtics’ strong play in the postseason, Fizdale’s tough upbringing in California, and fired Raptors coach Dwane Casey’s emotional farewell to Toronto.
Frank Ntilikina is the best player in the draft 2 years from now.
I seriously doubt that!
Not anywhere close. In fact, most likely the biggest bust. Tatum wins that draft.
Coming from a Knicks fan here… There’s zero chance of that. Lol ridiculous statement.
Frank will be a combination of Walt Frazier and Isiah Thomas.
You’re talking about current state Frazier and Thomas.
Nah the hall of famers.
HOT TAKES!!
I’m a Knicks fan but he probably won’t be the best player from the class I do think he’ll be a top 5 player from this class though
Really?? Has a long way to go and Donovan Mitchell has quite a jump on him.
Mitchell is one dimensional, he’s got a lot of talent but Frank is just a better defender,longer, and will be a better overall player.
I’m guessing you didn’t watch Mitchell in college – considering he was also known for his defense. Far from being one dimensional.
Frank N shows potential
Let us see how he develops
He will not be a bust
Too motivated and athletic. Needs to be coached up
Is that Tim Frazier that you mean Dionis?
Frank will not be a top 5, or likely top 10 player out of this draft. There was a lot of talent that was more polished coming in, and will be three years ahead in their careers before Frank scratches his potential.
I see Frank ultimately becoming a combo guard Super sub. Put up 9,3,3, and 1.5 steals, get the 3PT % up around 35-37%. Like a Thabo with better ball handling and passing skills.
Ntilikina is the modern day Michael Cooper. At best.
Frank has special talents and they’re the type on which the league is placing more and more of a premium. I wouldn’t say he’s going to be the best player in the class, because there is rarely a single best player in a class, and almost every class looks different 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. years out. History suggests that the top 5 or so guys in this class (determined by who gets a max contract after the rookie contract) will likely include no more than 2 guys who finish in the top 5 of the ROY standings. Frank has as good a shot of getting there as any guard in this class I’ve seen. His talents, length and court vision, age well.