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New York Knicks: Plans for Frank Ntilikina remain a mystery after latest signing

By John Kachnowski

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Frank Ntilikina of the New York Knicks poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Frank Ntilikina of the New York Knicks poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks have added two point guards to their roster after drafting Frank Ntilikina. Who will be the starting point guard?

If Frank Ntilikina could have become more of a mystery to the New York Knicks and NBA, he just did.

Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders reported that the Knicks signed yet another veteran point guard. The Knicks just inked Jarrett Jack to a one-year deal that is partially guaranteed. Confusion arises here. The Knicks just used their 8th overall pick on Frank Ntilikina, a point guard from France.

Why sign two more point guards?

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These signings shroud Ntilikina in a cloud of uncertainty. Similar to Kristaps Porzingis, who was drafted just two years ago, Frank may be looked at as a project. Starting with the weight of an NBA offense on his shoulders may be too much for him to handle so early on.

In a solid 45 game season in France, Ntilikina played around 20 minutes per game for Strasbourg. His team, Strasbourg, made it to a winner-take-all Game 5 of the league’s championship series. Ntilikina averaged 5.4 points and 1.5 assists per game. His body frame got NBA scouts excited about his NBA potential. At 6-foot-6 and a 7-foot wingspan, he has tools to be effective on the offensive and especially defensive end.

Ramon Sessions and Jarrett Jack have carved out decent careers for themselves as role players, but it would be surprising to see them to both come off the bench. Most recently, Jack was with Brooklyn before succumbing to injury and becoming a free agent and started 32 of his 32 games in Brooklyn in the 2015-2016 season.

Sessions, another NBA journeyman, has been a member of some first-round exiting teams in Washington and also Charlotte. Both can be serviceable players in the Knicks rotation, but where does that leave Ntilikina

Not many people have seen what Frank Ntilikina can do against professional competition. Overseas, he did not earn enough playing time to wow people with his ability. Unlike his other rookie counterparts, he was unable to suit up for this past offseason’s Summer League. Ntilikina sustained an injury in his final game in France.

This caused him to miss out on a good opportunity to get reps with his teammates and also his new teammates.

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Although these moves continue to confuse New York Knicks fans, they should not be disheartened by the uncertainty of their 19-year-old selection. They should realize that he is the first young point guard the Knicks have invested in years. Ntilikina will be a fan favorite in his rookie year in New York.

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