The Knicks consider Frank Ntilikina and Willy Hernangomez part of their future and don’t plan to include either in a trade for Suns guard Eric Bledsoe, relays Marc Berman of The New York Post. Team president Steve Mills conveyed those sentiments today in a meeting with reporters in Cleveland, effectively quashing speculation that the Knicks might be involved in the chase for Bledsoe.
Ntilikina has been limited by injuries and Hernangomez has seen his playing time cut because of a logjam at center, but Mills said both are considered valuable components going forward. He added that coach Jeff Hornacek approached this season the right way by making Hernangomez work for his playing time. “This is part of Willy’s development,’’ Mills said. “He’s a guy who’s going to be with us [at least] the next three years and we have a lot of time to work with him, and he’s going to be part of who we are.”
There’s more from Mills’ session with the media:
- Even though the Knicks are off to a 1-3 start following a winless preseason, no thought has been given to a coaching change. Mills pledged that “Jeff, [GM] Scott [Perry] and I are in this together,” although he stopped short of guaranteeing that Hornacek will be safe for the entire season. “We told him to focus on getting the team better and finding ways to reduce the turnovers and make sure we’re improving defensively,” Mills said of a recent meeting with Hornacek. “That’s what our goal was. We didn’t focus on the record. Our focus is how we’re improving over the course of the season. If we do all the things from a defensive standpoint, wins will come out of that. I do believe it’s getting better.”
- The organization is stressing stability in the wake of the chaotic reign of former team president Phil Jackson, who was fired over the offseason. Mills doesn’t believe it would be healthy to make another significant move so soon. “We need to make sure we’re doing as a team and doing the things we said we were going to do over the summer,” he said. “As long as we’re doing those things, we’ll continue to build this group. Stability is important for this group. We haven’t had a lot of it here.”
- Despite the injuries, the organization has been impressed by Ntilikina, the eighth selection in this year’s draft. “He’s not a flashy player but does the right things, plays solid defensively, willing to challenge guys right from the start,” Mills said. “The way he played, with the style he played, was what we saw when we scouted him. … “We’re committed to him and his development. What we’re trying to do with this team, it centers around guys like Frank, KP, draft picks moving forward.”
- The Knicks will have to make a roster move next month when Joakim Noah‘s suspension expires. They signed two veteran point guards over the offseason in Ramon Sessions and Jarrett Jack, and Mills said the team would like to keep both. “We always knew we needed veterans to help support Frank,’’ he explained. “Was that going to be Ramon as starter? Jarrett as starter? They both bring different things to the table. Jarrett did a great job of calming things down. Ramon brings different things to the table. They both mentor Frank in different ways. We feel we need guys like that to bring Frank along.’’
Dump Ass Knicks Bledsoe and Porzingis Perfect Duo
Kanter for Bledsoe let’s do it! Ntilikina & Hernangomez for him no way!
They’d be “Dump Ass Knicks” if they traded their future for a 27 year old Bledsoe signed for two more years.
They ain’t competing for a title in the next two years. French Frank is the real deal. He’s our “Devin Booker” (means the same to us as Booker means to you Suns fans)
You ain’t taking him from us. Youngest rookie in the NBA and unlike Bledsoe, he wants to be here.
Sorry Corleone
Very good joke, Nikkii is our Devin Booker :)
Bledsoe is The real Deal he is Young enough with 27 Nikilitina Needs 3-5 years Alone thats Unterstand how can score im The ligue
Trading a 19 yr old top 10 pick for a 28 year old overpaid guard who missed 67 games over the last 2 seasons is so like the New York Knicks.
Courtney Lee for Bledsoe, seems about right.
Go down the list who needs a PG that bad?
Atlanta – Schroeder
Boston – Kyrie
Brooklyn – Russell
Charlotte – Walker
Chicago – Dunn – full rebuild
Cleveland – Rose, IT4, LeBron
Detroit – Jackson
Indiana – Joseph/Collison duo
Miami – Dragic
Milwaukee – Brogdon
Knicks – a child so heres your trade partner so no leverage
Orlando – Payton
Philly – Simmons / Fultz
Toronto – Lowry
Washington – Wall
Dallas – Smith Jr
Denver – Mudiay
GS – oh idk
Houston – CP3 Harden
LA – Rivers
LA – Ball so small
Memphis – Conley
Minnesota – Teague
NOLA – Holliday
OKC – Russ
Portland – Lillard
Sacramento – Fox
San Antonio – Parker/Patty
Utah – Rubio
The only team that makes sense is Denver. The Magic are playing extremely well so Payton is off the table.l and the Bucks shouldn’t trade for a starting pg with how well Brogdon and Giannis are playing together.
Payton hasn t played since opening night
Nice list & point… market not strong
The Knicks are actually making smart decisions. Who would have believed that?
Phoenix needs a center.
Orlando needs a pg.
I think that’s the likely deal,
Unless PHX likes Mudiay/Faried.
That’s the first ‘makes sense’ statement the Knicks have made in a long time.
Then they went & beat the Cavs!