For the second time in three years, the New York Knicks have drafted a European player who’s more NBA-ready than anyone expected him to be. Just as Kristaps Porzingis was labeled a project, Frank Ntilikina was regarded as a player who wouldn’t make much of an impact in 2017-18.
Just 14 games into the 2017-18 NBA regular season, however, Ntilikina has been one of the most influential players on the 8-6 Knicks.
Ntilikina has emerged as one of the most promising young on-ball defenders in the NBA. He’s also emerged as one of the best young facilitators in the NBA, displaying a unique ability to create via the pick and roll.