Knicks guard Frank Ntilikina looks at the Olympics as a chance to rebuild his reputation after a rough start to his NBA career, writes Marc Berman of The New York Post. The French guard was considered among the best prospects in the world when he was selected with the eighth pick in the 2017 draft. He was a modest contributor during his first three years, but had his playing time cut in half when new coach Tom Thibodeau took over.
“Not playing is not easy for a player,’’ Ntilikina said in a recent interview with the French publication L’equipe. “I would definitely like to play more. But I train all season long. And because I’m still a young player, I know I have a lot of things of my game that I can improve on in future seasons. This is what I did this season offensively in games with the Knicks as soon as I had playing time, being at my advantage over the opponent’s point guards.’’
With his 23rd birthday looming next week, Ntilikina may be ready for a fresh start. He will hit the open market when free agency begins in August, and the Knicks will have to make a $7MM+ qualifying offer to keep him restricted. Berman notes that would carry an $18MM cap hold.
For now, Ntilikina’s priority is the Olympic Games and trying to win a gold medal for France.
“My approach to the Olympics is a bit the same as the one I had for the World Cup,’’ he said. “I try to bring as much as possible to the team. It’s the Olympics, it’s not just anything, it’s something I watched every four years. Now having the chance to go with the France team is a childhood dream.’’
There’s more on the Knicks:
- In a separate piece, Berman takes a closer look at Virginia forward Trey Murphy III, who could be in play for the Knicks with the 19th or 21st pick in Thursday’s draft. A source says Murphy had a “solid showing” in his workout for New York last week.
- Kelly Oubre‘s desire to join a team that plays “hard-nosed defense, scrappy, fast-paced, athletic open-floor offense” may make him a good fit for the Knicks. The Warriors’ free agent forward made the comments in a recent interview with Ian Begley and Chris Williamson of SNY.tv.
- Begley also talked with Obi Toppin about his experiences during his rookie season (video link). Toppin is doing offseason workouts with teammates RJ Barrett, Kevin Knox and Immanuel Quickley.
Nitilikina = Forky
Funny how the Lakers get interested in you and suddenly you’re moving up the boards. Cmon New York, be a leader not a follower and spend that cap money
Frank Ntilikina… well if he played today in today’s Great Roman Victory over Team USA, he would have looked stylish, but alas he did not play at all and rode the bench
I think some of the scouting jobs that the NBA does Sux. How many point guards have been turrible, but drafted high?
The list is endless and Frank is a part of that
He IS injured
That’s one way to describe his game.
@Sebch
I put some mustard on my comment and I always end up right back where I started.
Lakers really like Murphy
Murphy stock rises from 40th pick last week to 10th pick this week
Doubt NY extends QO, and while it’s possible Frank does need a new start, he’s shown very little in NY to suggest that’s the case.
I really don’t see a team that would offer him more than the minimum.
Dunn got a 2/10m deal last summer I believe, and he’s the same prototype as Frank, just more accomplished. And then even a guy like Shabazz Napier, who’s just a superior player, can’t even stay in the league. Maybe Boston would roll the dice, considering their utter lack of PG depth?
But wouldn’t be surprised to see him go back to Europe where he might be able to earn more money and PT.
IMO Thibs should of played Ntilikina, Knox and OB1 more so the main guys were fresher come playoff time. I would of liked those 3 to get a curious look before given away for nothing soon.
I honestly think the best move for Frank is going back to Europe. He hasn’t shown that he has NBA-caliber abilities yet. Even if he managed to secure an NBA deal, he’d be riding the end of the bench somewhere, fighting to get 5-10 minutes a night. If he goes back to Europe, at least he’d be able to play and get experience and develop.
I can’t imagine the Knicks offer the QO unless it’s part of salary matching for a trade.
FN needs to go. Same for Knox. Both are just a reminder of how painful the previous regime was in the front office. Crossing my fingers they draft well, or even move up.
There is ZERO chance that the Knicks extend a Q/O to Frank. If he’s brought back (unlikely), it would be for a smaller contract. It’s best for both sides that he moves on. He could still be used in a S&T, but, for other reasons, that’s almost as unlikely.
Haven’t watched a lot of Knick games, but the few times Frank inserted at end of game for defense, he did exactly what he was NOT supposed to do. Haven’t seen much offense from him either.