Frank Ntilikina
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After a successful summer, Frank Ntilikina’s stock is rising as the New York Knicks prepare for the 2019-20 season.

Frank Ntilikina‘s first two seasons in the NBA didn’t go as planned, but the third-year guard looks poised for a breakout. The New York Knicks have reportedly been willing to listen to offers for the French guard in the past.

According to Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Pistons “could have interest” in Ntilikina.

The phrase “could have interest” is quite vague. It’s likely that a few teams around the league are keeping an eye on the 21-year-old guard.

Ntilikina was a revelation for France at the FIBA World Cup in China this summer. His gutsy fourth-quarter performance led France past Team USA in a shocking upset in the quarterfinal. Not to mention, he played lockdown defense on Kemba Walker, holding him to 10 points on 2-for-9 shooting.

Although he has pedestrian per game averages of 5.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game with the Knicks, he possesses elite potential on defense with enough offensive upside to stay interested. His length allows him to be a pest on defense and could be the key to finishing around the rim with more regularity.

The Knicks have yet to pick up the option on Ntilikina’s fourth season. According to Spotrac, that fourth-year option is worth just over $6 million. On media day, the front office declined to comment on whether or not they would pick up that option by the Oct. 31 deadline.

Ntilikina has yet to prove himself in the NBA, but there will be plenty of eyes watching him this season.

 
NY/NJ hoops reporter (NBA/NCAA) & sports betting writer for XL Media. Never had the makings of a varsity athlete.