2017 NBA Draft: Instant reaction and grades from the first round

By Michael Saenz | Jun 22, 2017

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the stage before the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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8. New York Knicks – Frank Ntilikina, PG, France

The New York Knicks needed a point guard. They got one, hopefully it’s the right one. It’s going to be remembered for many years that the Knicks passed on Dennis Smith Jr. And he might forever be tied at the hip to Ntilikina.

If both become good players, this won’t matter much. BUT, if the Knicks made the wrong selection again, it will be remembered.

Hopefully, Phil holds on to Kristaps Porzingis. If he does, the Knicks would have a nice little core starting with Ntilkina and Porzingis. But, as we’ve learned in the last year, you can never trust Phil.

Grade: B