The New York Knicks are taking things slow with Frank Ntilikina’s injury. The plan is to re-evaluate Ntilikina after the All-Star break.
Prior to the Kristaps Porzingis trade, Frank Ntilikina’s future with the New York Knicks was the topic that spurred the most discussion. Since then, the Porzingis trade has taken center stage and Ntilikina’s injury woes have put the debate about his future on the back burner.
But head coach David Fizdale told reporters prior to the game that the team will re-evaluate Ntilikina’s sore groin following the All-Star break. Ntilikina will miss Saturday’s game against the Toronto Raptors plus two more against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Philadelphia 76ers. He could miss more depending on his evaluation.
The second-year guard’s future is somewhat murky at the moment. Despite the fact that the Knicks rebuffed at least one team interested in Ntilikina, there were reports that the front office was looking for a first-round pick in exchange for the point guard.
Furthermore, Dennis Smith Jr. looks destined to remain the starting point guard for the remainder of the season. He’s already off to an impressive start with the Knicks and Fizdale loves his competitive nature.
Coach Fizdale on DSJ’s competitiveness and will to win:
“He’s a competitor…he really felt like he let down the group and here’s a guy that had 31 and 8.”#NewYorkForever
— Danny Small (@dwsmall8) February 9, 2019
Despite Ntilikina’s status as a point guard, he has the length and athleticism to play multiple positions. The big question is whether or not he has the offensive skill to play multiple positions.
There isn’t much concern about his defensive ability. But he has failed to develop much offensive consistency in his career thus far. Of course, he’s still a 20-year-old so he deserves patience from the organization and the fan base.
Unfortunately, with the rumors that the Knicks were shopping the second-year guard, it’s unclear how much patience the front office is willing to give the Frenchman.
