New York Knicks rookie Frank Ntilikina isn't worried about the recent three-team trade with the Denver Nuggets for point guard Emmanuel Mudiay. The 21-year-old was acquired before the trade deadline, putting the depth chart at the point guard position at four, along with starter Jarrett Jack and Trey Burke.
Mudiay, being the more prominent name of the four, would likely get a shot to start and develop within this young Knicks roster, but the move isn't something that threatens the French international.
“I feel like I’m good here and people want me here, so I’m happy about the situation,” said Ntilikina, according to ESPN's Ian Begley. “I can’t wait to keep working on my game, taking time and being patient and to be the best player I can be.”
Ntilikina's development may be coming along slower than initially expected, and bringing in another young point guard instead of a mentoring veteran has raised plenty a flag to those in his camp.
Mudiay lost his starting job to second-year guard Jamal Murray this season, after the two alternated starts during the preseason, but his ceiling is still relatively high with a strong, lanky frame at 6-foot-5 and plenty of athleticism, just like Ntilikina.
It's unclear the direction the Knicks chose to go in after acquiring him, but having four players at the same position only screams logjam — a situation that coach Jeff Hornacek hasn't proven keen to resolve — just ask Joakim Noah and Willy Hernangomez.
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