New York Knicks rookie point guard Frank Ntilikina is not happy with head coach Jeff Hornacek's reasoning behind playing him limited minutes.

Lately, Hornacek has opted to keep Ntilikina off the floor for long stretches when the opponent features bigger and stronger guards, such as Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers or Nicolas Batum of the Charlotte Hornets. It appears Hornacek wants to protect Ntilikina from having to defend these types of players.

But Ntilikina is having none of it, per Marc Berman of the New York Post.

“As a competitor, I don’t agree with that,” Ntilikina said in an impassioned voice. “That would make myself be — I don’t know how to say it in English. But I just want to take every challenge. That’s the coach’s job and decision to put who he thinks will be better on the court, but as a player, you got to be ready when he calls you.”

Ntilikina feeling this way is 100 percent understandable. As a young player trying to make his mark in the NBA, he wants every opportunity he can get to show what is made of against elite competition, including those bigger guards he would have to defend.

In a way, Hornacek protecting Ntilikina from those types of players is hindering his development, and may not be the wisest coaches move as a result. Unfortunately, Ntilikina has to accept his role for now as long as Hornacek is the coach of the Knicks.

Ntilikina has to find a way to make his mark with the minutes he is given and make sure he shows the Knicks organization that he can play with the big boys. Perhaps that doesn't happen this year, but it needs to happen soon for him.