Frank Ntilikina was an afterthought for most of the season, but he could be part of the Knicks‘ rotation for their first-round series against the Hawks, writes Ian Begley of SNY.tv. Coach Tom Thibodeau said Wednesday that he’s considering using Ntilikina for defensive purposes in certain situations.
Ntilkina got into 33 games this season and averaged 2.7 points in just 9.8 minutes per night. He will be a restricted free agent this summer, but only if the Knicks make a qualifying offer, meaning his time in New York could be about to end.
“Frank has sort of been in that role as a defensive stopper. He adds great value to our team,” Thibodeau said. “What you guys don’t see is he and Kevin Knox and a bunch of other guys who aren’t in the rotation, how hard they work in practice. And we value the practice greatly. So they’re providing a lot to our team and whatever their strengths are, we’re going to try to take advantage of that.”
There’s more on the Knicks:
- Luca Vildoza may not see any playing time in the postseason, but he will be on hand to cheer on his new teammates, according to Marc Berman of The New York Post. The newly-signed combo guard will arrive in New York on Friday. He agreed to a four-year contract, but the final three years are non-guaranteed. The guarantee for next season will kick in the day after the season opener.
- After a breakthrough season, Julius Randle is enjoying a week of rest before the playoffs begin, Berman adds in a separate story. This will be Randle’s first postseason experience in his seven-year NBA career. “For me, this week is important,’’ he said. “I’m doing everything — recovery-wise, taking care of my body — to make sure that I’m as fresh as possible heading into this series. It’s obviously great to have a week to prepare. I’m trying to do my best to make sure I’m ready for the grind of the series.’’
- Lack of experience could be an issue for the Knicks in the series, suggests Peter Botte of The New York Post. Along with Randle and Ntilikina, RJ Barrett, Elfrid Payton and rookies Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin will be in the playoffs for the first time.
Why is there so much ink spilled about Frank? Thibs has no confidence in him, which is why he cut Frank’s PT in half to less than ten minutes per game, even with Payton struggling mightily down the stretch. I will be shocked if the Knicks QO him.
Swear the guy owns stock in the website….Hes like top 5 mentioned over the year in titles , extremely odd indeed
No. No. No. No. No. Of all times to dust off Frank now is not the time. Either keep Payton as a ltd minutes starter or put them both on the bench.
Young’s whole game is PnR anyway, so even if he could “shut down” Trae in iso he would never get the chance to.
Why sign Vildoza to ride the bench. I was hoping he’d be a much needed spark in the playoffs.
Vildoza hasn’t played a minute of NBA basketball in his life, has never played with any of his new teammates, and you want to throw him in there immediately in the playoffs? They signed him early to avoid a potential bidding war with other teams and to give him a full offseason to adjust and develop.
Last I heard I think Thibs basically said it’s too late in the season to try and integrate him. But I think he signed a multiyear deal, so he should be in the rotation next season.
The ntlikina playing time will be in like 1 minute or less spurts for defensive purposes. Chill, trust thibs he’ll be fine.
lmao love the username.
Frank is a better defender than Payton. He’s too reserved for NY. Thibs Has tried to wake his Aaa up. He’s not a NY kind of guy. He’s 22 yrs old. You’ll need to chill. He can absolutely give us mins. Thibs hasn’t given up on him. He will get mins. It’s time to find your gm. We need our depth to come thru. This is not a guy reaching his potential. WTFU it’s the playoffs. We’re here to win. And if Frank can help, then help. It’s not like we can’t put Rose or Quickly in. We are a team and we are here to win.
Hawks coach has just sealed their fate . Fined for talking smack. Of course league wants NY in playoffs. Don’t mean they will cheat. Hawks haven’t beat Knicks yet. Ain’t happening now. Randle has destroyed them and Collins. So better watch and see if Collins is worth a FA money. Randle owns Hawks. We got this.