Knicks: Can Frank Ntilkina be the point guard of the future?

As the 2018 NBA offseason approaches, we explore whether Frank Ntilkina can develop into the point guard of the future for the New York Knicks

After a disappointing rookie season filled with inconsistency, Frank Ntilikina sits in the INSEP Facility in France, drenched in sweat after a grueling workout.

A number of weeks later, the French point guard is working on his shooting and ball handling with renowned NBA trainer Chris Brickley. Despite shooting just 36 percent from the field and 32 percent from 3-point range in his rookie campaign, Ntilkina proved to be an excellent perimeter defender, ranking No. 1 in the league at defending the pick-and-roll.

This, along with Frank’s 7-foot wingspan, provides a sense of optimism for the Knicks rebuild.

Videos of Ntilkina’s intense offseason regimens with Brickley epitomize his work ethic and the “New York Grit” that embodies this historic franchise.

However, it is essential, both for his own development and the team’s future playoff hopes, that Ntilkina develop a reliable jumpshot and finishing ability; each of the most successful teams in the league from the Golden State Warriors to the Boston Celtics, have an adept scoring point guard.

Stephen Curry’s shooting has transformed the way that defensive schemes are designed. In much the same way, Kyrie Irving’s ball handling allows him to easily blow by defenders and finish at the rim, setting up teammates to counter help defenses.

In order for New York to be successful, Frank must develop into a capable scoring threat to take some of the offensive pressure off of Kristaps Porzingis.

Whether Frank Ntilkina can develop into the Knicks point guard of the future, and truly propel the Franchise forward, will be contingent upon how far his work ethic can transform his offensive game.

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There’s no question that Ntilikina has the raw talent to be a really good player in the NBA. Now it’s time for development and actually untapping on that potential.