After criticizing the New York Knicks for passing on Dennis Smith Jr. back in November, LeBron James decided to praise the point guard New York did take — Frank Ntilikina. James is more neutral about that billboard trying to recruit him to play in the Big Apple.
LeBron James has had a complicated relationship with the New York Knicks during his 15 seasons in the NBA. He’s never shown a great interest in playing for them, but whenever he comes to Madison Square Garden it’s one of the biggest spectacles of the year.
That was certainly the case back in Nov. when James praised Dallas Mavericks rookie point guard Dennis Smith Jr. by telling reporters the “Knicks passed on a really good one.” In doing so, James took not only a shot at the franchise but at Frank Ntilikina — the point guard they actually drafted.
In advance of the King’s Monday night game in New York, he appears to have changed his tune on Frank. According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Frank “knows how to play the game” and “his offensive game is getting better.”
LeBron James was highly complimentary of Knicks rookie Frank Ntilikina: “I think he knows how to play the game…. Very cerebral basketball player.” James also seems impressed by Ntilikina’s defense. More here: https://t.co/7Yb2LoLf58
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 9, 2018
James didn’t stop with his praise of Ntlikina, though. He was also asked about the famous billboardpurchased by NYC Ads Co. to recruit the 33-year-old to finally come to New York. He was much more diplomatic on that subject.
Sorry Knicks fans, it seems like a long shot.
LeBron James on the billboard in New York asking him to sign w/the Knicks: “Same reaction that I had to every last one of them this year. I think it’s very humbling that cities and organizations want me to play for them, especially at this juncture in my career. So, that’s it.”
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 9, 2018
The Knicks host LeBron and the Cavs at 7:30 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden.
