New York Knicks guard Frank Ntilikina remains a member of the once heralded franchise despite the many trade rumors surrounding the up-and-comer over the course of the last year or so. Managing to remain a part of a very young Knicks core with the 2019-20 regular season now on the immediate horizon, Ntilikina is ready to step up and be a leader for New York.

“To understand me, it was just a process of adaptation,” Ntilikina recently told The French Knicks Pod. “The NBA is another style, another country and a different everyday life. It's not necessarily obvious, especially when it comes to basketball in New York. For some it may take a day or two, for others longer. For me, New York is home since day one, but i needed time to give my best.

“I am motivated, determined to succeed with the Knicks jersey. Being at this moment the one who wears the jersey since the longest time in the roster is a responsibility, and to deserve the respect of the Knicks fans, it will be only by the daily work with dedication every day in the training sessions to create the best systems to win games.”

Despite the Knicks recent struggles, Ntilikina has shined at times while it appears as though the Eastern Conference still believes in his ability — especially after a big summer on the world stage.

“Work extremely hard every day, and most importantly do not talk to say nothing,” he added. “Do things well to improve together to succeed with the squad like a family. no success without sacrifice. To be leader of the team I worked very hard this summer my game to reach my goals of the season with the Knicks. If I want to achieve my personal goals in the long run, we have to go through that.”

The Knicks infamously finished last season with the worst record in the entire NBA while things can really only get better for Ntilikina and company.