New York Knicks: 4 Takeaways from the summer league opener

[sc name=”Knicks Title” text=”3. Frank’s defense is even more impressive” ]

Frank Ntilikina doesn’t blow you away with his offense. In fact, what you see from him on that end is still a little concerning. As the season progresses, the hope is that he’ll become more aggressive. Head coach David Fizdale should play a part in that.

But Frank’s defense? That’s a home run. The 19-year-old is already one of the best defenders in the NBA in only his second season in the league. He welcomed Trae Young to the NBA in a bad way by picking him up full court in the first quarter. Talk about intensity.

Welcome to the NBA Trae Young.

Frank Ntilikina puts the clamps on him.#TheFrenchise pic.twitter.com/O6WGwXKN1k

— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) July 7, 2018

It’s a summer league game, and Frank’s going after the rookie like it’s playoff basketball.

This is why Knicks fans love him. He was already a borderline great defender last season as a rookie, but now his play on that end has gotten even better. Ntilikina bulked up during the offseason, and it’s benefiting him on defense already.

Frank was just 2 of 7 from the field with five points, but his offensive struggles are buried underneath what he’s capable of doing on the defensive end.

[sc name=”Knicks Link Next” link=”elitesportsny.com/?p=250942&page=4&preview=true” text=”Troy Williams isn’t messing around” ]