Frank Ntilikina believes he’s a good fit for Knicks’ triangle
Professional player Frank Ntilikina, one of French basketball's promising players, whose name is on the NBA Draft Early Entry List, has been announced as a potential top-10 prospect in the upcoming 2017 NBA draft. (Andia/Abaca Press/TNS) Credit: TNS / Andia
French guard Frank Ntilikina met with Knicks president Phil Jackson and other team officials Wednesday morning.
The Knicks have the No. 8 pick in Thursday’s NBA Draft, and Ntilikina could be the guard they pick.
He said he’s done his homework on the Knicks and the triangle offense, and believes he would do well with them.
“The system there is a good system for me,” Ntilikina said during Wednesday’s availability with draft prospects. “I think I could play in it. The organization is very good. It would be great.”
Ntilikina is only 18 years old, but his frame and skills may fit the triangle better than any of the guards who could be available in the Knicks’ range.
Ntilikina is 6-5 and can play both backcourt positions. Multiple scouts have said Ntilikina meets Jackson requirements for the triangle in that he’s a big, versatile guard.
“It’s a good system with a lot of rules and placement,” Ntilikina said. “But the game I play with my team back in France is very similar to this game. I think it would be great for me to end up here.”
The Knicks also could consider Kentucky guard Malik Monk or North Carolina State point guard Dennis Smith Jr. if they’re available at eight.
They also expressed some interest in Louisville guard Donovan Mitchell, Duke shooting guard Luke Kennard and North Carolina swingman Justin Jackson. But eight would seem high to take any of them.
Jackson met with Arizona 7-footer Lauri Markkanen Monday. He’s a stretch four with some of the skills of Kristaps Porzingis, so it would be surprising if the Knicks took him unless they plan on trading Porzingis.
The Knicks reportedly received calls on Porzingis’ availability Tuesday. Many believe the Knicks ultimately will build around Porzingis. Ntilikina welcomes the chance to play with Porzingis if he’s taken by the Knicks.
“He’s a great player,” Ntilikina said. “I have a feeling he’s going to be an All-Star. He’s had two very good years and I think we’d have a good relationship on the court and off the court.”
None of the NBA teams had an opportunity to work out Ntilikina, who flew in from France Tuesday afternoon. His French team, Strasbourg, is playing in the French League Final. The series is 2-2 with the deciding Game 5 Friday.
Ntilikina doesn’t want to miss the game — he’s supposed to fly back to France after the draft. But Ntilikina also wanted to make sure he was at Barclays Center to hear his name called.
“To be here is a dream come true,” Ntilikina said. “I’ve dreamed about it since I was young. Watching it every night in France on my TV and to be here is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
With Jordan Lauterbach
Three players the Knicks could take at No. 8
Frank Ntilikina, G, France: Not a pure point or shooting guard, so he might be a good fit for the triangle offense. The 6-5 teenager can play both positions, at both ends of the court, and will continue to grow and develop. Phil Jackson loves big guards.
Malik Monk, G, Kentucky: He isn’t exactly what the Knicks are looking for, but he might be hard to pass up if he’s there. Monk is one of the best scorers in the draft, and has good range on his jump shot. The question is: Can the Knicks convert him into a triangle guard?
Dennis Smith Jr., G, North Carolina State: One of the most explosive players in the draft. Smith can break down defenders and get to the basket. Not necessarily a fit for the triangle, but he’s one of the best point guard prospects.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
