New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina earning comparisons to Kyrie Irving

New York Knicks rookie point guard Frank Ntilikina has been somewhat of a mystery so far to the NBA world. That is, until now apparently

As of September 26th, NBA training camps have begun. And perhaps one of the most interesting developments in the first few days of the new season is the whispers that are surrounding New York Knicks mystery draftee Frank Ntilikina.

New Knicks’ signee Ramon Sessions sees a lot of potential in Ntilikina’s game after just these first two days.

[via New York Post]

"“It’s funny,’’ Sessions said in his first remarks since signing with the Knicks. “It’s one of those things. I played with Johnny (Flynn) when he was younger. Kyrie when he was young. He’s got a lot of Kyrie tendencies. Not the most athletic guy but can handle the ball in tight spots. It’s still early on, but he definitely gives me that Kyrie feel when Kyrie was a rookie.”"

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These comparisons come as a surprise to pretty much any basketball fanatic. Not much is known of Ntilikina. He played limited minutes overseas for Strasbourg and suffered an injury in his final game abroad and missed out on playing in the Summer League.

Sessions, a former Cleveland Cavalier, played alongside Irving for half a season before he was being dealt to the Los Angeles Lakers, mentored Irving during their short stint as teammates. Sessions’ comments come as a glimmer of hope and excitement for Knicks’ fans who look to cling onto something positive after losing their hometown star Carmelo Anthony.

What makes Sessions’ remarks all the more puzzling involves the annual NBA Rookie survey. The NBA conducts a survey amongst its rookie class each season as they have the young guns vote on a number of superlatives such as Rookie of the Year.

Ntilikina received zero votes in each of the voted-on categories. Hopefully he can put his survey shortcomings and his teammates’ high praises to good use as motivation.

Ntilikina, shocked himself by the quote, had this to say in response:

[via New York Post]

"“Kyrie is Kyrie,’’ Ntilikina told The Post. “That’s something. He’s an All-Star, has done crazy things. Hearing that is a blessing. Ramon is here for me. Giving me a lot of advice. I’m learning a lot from him.”"

At 6-foot-5, Ntilikina can be a versatile piece for head coach, Jeff Hornacek, who played multi-point guard lineups in his early coaching days in Phoenix. He has told Ntilikina to study more than just the reps he takes at the one, but to also pay attention to the two and three positions.

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Frank Ntilikina is the best point guard prospect the New York Knicks have had in quite some time. He already has fans intrigued due to his size, and the successful pick of Kristaps Porzingis has made fans a little kinder to foreign draft picks.

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