As the New York Knicks have gone full-throttle in their efforts to grow through their youth, head coach Jeff Hornacek is hoping rookie Frank Ntilikina can get stronger this summer through a more rigorous strength and conditioning program.

“With Frank, it's just strength,” Hornacek said before the Knicks lost to the Warriors on Monday, according to ESPN's Ian Begley. “He's 19 and he's never been in a weight program. Our strength guys are working hard with him. He has gotten stronger. But it's going to take him a couple of years, almost like KP.”

“It's going to take couple of years to get that strength. Everything becomes easier. You don't get knocked off your spot. You can finish better. The more strength you have, the more conditioning you can do and not get tired.”

Ntilikina possesses a great frame for a point guard, standing a tall 6-foot-5 like his recent partner Emmanuel Mudiay, but playing in France didn't involve the physicality of the NBA game, the constant tugging, pushing, and shoulder-lowering this league is known for in a day-to-day basis.

Yet Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson, who led all scorers with 26 points on the night, noted he was impressed with Ntilikina.

“He’s got tremendous potential,” said Thompson. “Anytime you’re in the NBA at 19, you’re doing something right.”

Ntilikina finished with a respectable 13 points, five rebounds, and one assist during his 28 minutes on the floor — now averaging up 27.3 minutes per outing in the last three games since the All-Star break, when Hornacek decided it was time to let the young man loose.