The New York Knicks have been to a number to players in the pre-draft process, including Malik Monk and Donovan Mitchell, but they still favor point guard Frank Ntilikina and will draft him if he's available with the No. 8 pick.
The Knicks have had a scout in Europe babysitting Frank Ntilikina. As of now, he's their man.
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) June 15, 2017
"And with the eighth pick of the 2017 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks select...." https://t.co/vB2hNbXoYL
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) June 15, 2017
New York was "enamored" with Ntilikina early in the pre-draft process, and he has remained their favorite through workouts and interviews with other top prospects.
For his part, Ntilikina has reciprocated New York's interest, even telling the New York Post that he wants to play in the triangle offense.
"I watch a lot of their games and I know how they play with their triangle offense with Phil Jackson as the president, and I know the players. I think it would be a good thing for me … I love to learn everything about the game, so I was just trying to figure out what it was, and how to play that. It brought Phil Jackson a lot of championships. So it’s good."
He also worked out at Carmelo Anthony's gym in New York in April, another sign that both sides are hoping for a match.
Draft prospect Frank Ntilikina in New York working out at Melo's gym in midtown Manhattan
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) April 16, 2017
(via cbrickley603 / IG) pic.twitter.com/GN3uBa2Z5B
The Mavericks have also expressed significant interest in Ntilikina, but pick one spot behind the Knicks. They have had conversations with the Timberwolves about potentially moving up to No. 7 in order to jump New York to draft him.
Ntilikina's team, Strasbourg, is playing in the French League Finals, so he has not been able to work out for any teams. However, as mentioned by Isola above, the Knicks have had someone with him throughout their playoff run.
Ntilikina, who was born is Belguim, has been playing professionally for that Strasbourg team since the 2014-15 season. He is averaging 5.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game this season while shooting 48.5 percent from the floor and 43.1 percent from three-point range.
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