Orlando Magic swingman Evan Fournier says New York Knicks point guard Frank Ntilikina needs a “real opportunity” in the NBA after a strong showing in the FIBA World Cup.
Ntilikina put up 8.9 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists for France, who won the bronze medal in China.
Strong World Cup showing for Frank Ntilikina: 8.9 PTS, 2.4 REB and 2.6 AST in 19.6 MIN while shooting 57.7% from 2 and 36.4% from 3. Made a lot of shots off the bounce, looked more creative around the rim, defended as always. Has positive momentum heading into his 3rd NBA season. pic.twitter.com/Zh3md9eWPO
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) September 16, 2019
The Knicks drafted Frank Ntilikina with the eighth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. New York was hoping Frank would turn into a franchise point guard for them, but so far, Ntilikina has struggled with the Knicks.
Ntilikina has career averages of 5.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 121 games with the Knicks while shooting 35.4 percent from the field, 30.5 percent from beyond the arc and 73.5 percent from the free-throw line.
New York has Dennis Smith Jr. and Elfrid Payton on the roster, which means Ntilikina could be the third-string point guard for the Knicks in 2019-20. New York could always trade the youngster to a team which needs point guard help.
At this point, it might be the best thing for Ntilikina to get a fresh start somewhere else. The 21-year-old had a bunch of DNP's last season under head coach David Fizdale. Plus, the Knicks might be able to get a late first-round pick for Frank after his solid play in China.
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