New York Knicks fans have paid close attention to Frank Ntilikina's performances at this year's FIBA World Cup. The French point guard admitted via Marc Stein of The New Times that he has felt their love and support in every step of the way.
Also asked how aware he is that Knicks fans have been encouraged by his performances with France and want to see him get more of a shot next season, Ntilikina broke into a smile and told me: "I feel their support every day."
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) September 15, 2019
Knicks fans have gotten close to giving up on their former no. 8 overall pick. However, it seems like watching him in this tournament has given them a glimmer of hope.
Frank Ntilikina was a key component throughout the tournament for France. In eight games, the French guard averaged 8.0 PPG, 2.6 RPG, and 2.5 APG, and shot an encouraging 43.6 percent from the field. He, likewise, had two solid performances in both the quarterfinals and semifinals.
In their quarterfinals victory against Team USA, Ntilikina finished with 11 points on 5-of-9 shooting. Moreover, he nailed a couple of clutch buckets down the stretch for France to help them knock off USA in the tournament. In their semis loss against Argentina, Ntilikina turned in 16 points – his tournament-high – on 7-of-12 shooting.
Ntilikina hasn't quite translated into the player the Knicks had hoped for when they selected him eighth in the 2017 NBA draft. He struggled through a lingering groin injury in his sophomore season that forced him to miss 39 games. In the 43 games he played, Ntilikina averaged just 5.7 PPG, 2.0 RPG, and 2.8 APG while shooting an atrocious 33.7 percent from the field.
However, it seems like Frankie Smokes has recovered from his nagging ailments. The 6-foot-6 guard feels healthy again and is ready to have a redemption campaign for the Knicks this season.
If the FIBA World Cup is any indication, Frank Ntilikina should have a breakout campaign in 2019-20.
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