Frank Ntilikina has been a favorite of Phil Jackson and the Knicks due to his fit in the triangle. Unfortunately, the feeling’s not mutual.

The Knicks love Frank Ntilikina. He’s the mysterious pass-first French point guard prospect who will fit perfectly into Phil Jackson’s triangle offense. There’s nothing more important than that in New York. However, the feeling doesn’t appear to be mutual.

According to Chad Ford of ESPN, the Mavs have done a better job than the Knicks regarding recruiting and building relationships. Ford states that the Mavs hired Frank’s coach in France to be a part of their summer league team.

This isn’t surprising. One of the biggest criticisms of Jackson has been his lack of contacts in the Association. He keeps a small circle, and that will never change. If there’s going to be a recruiting battle for a teenager, Phil Jackson will lose it.

As of now, this could all mean nothing. The Knicks have the eighth pick, and the Mavs are at No. 9. If Jackson wants Frank, he can take him before Marc Cuban even gets the chance. Unless the Mavericks try to trade up. There’s a lot of that going around right now.

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