NBA Rookie Fantasy Profile: Frank Ntilikina

Position: PG

Team: New York Knicks

Draft Spot: 1.08

Analysis: There were rumblings for weeks before the draft that the Knicks were targeting either Ntilikina or Dennis Smith Jr. with the eighth overall pick. Unsurprisingly, both players were available with the pick. It also was not very shocking that the Knicks opted for Ntilikina, as there were rumors that he was their target all offseason.

Players overseas are a bit more difficult to project when they are young because they rarely play big minutes. Ntilikina was no exception. He only averaged 18.3 minutes per game for LNB Pro A last season. In that time, he averaged 5.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. He also shot 51.9% from two-point range, 43.1% from three-point range, and 62.1% from the free throw line. His numbers are not what people are excited about, but rather his length and athleticism. He also has elite court vision, but often times becomes a pass first point guard when he could be looking for his own shot.

Ntilikina was drafted into a great position. The Knicks are in need of point guard help, as Ron Baker is currently penciled in as the starter. It will not be long before Ntilikina is the starter, but he should still play big minutes off the bench if the Knicks want to continue with Baker. Ntilikina is a high upside prospect that has the ability to produce early in his career.

Bottom Line: Ntilikina is hard to project because of his lack of minutes in France. He has the potential to produce points, assists, rebounds, and steals early in his career. He will be more of a pass first point guard, though, so while he can score, he will not be a dominant scorer in the NBA.