The New York Knicks found the Phoenix Suns' request to swap estranged point guard Eric Bledsoe for Frank Ntilikina and Willy Hernangomez “ridiculous,” according to Marc Berman of The New York Post.
Both players have played a combined 11 minutes thus far in the season, with Ntilikina dealing with injuries and Hernangomez finding himself out of the rotation after head coach Jeff Hornacek has emphasized defense for this team.
Despite the huge opportunity to make this team a win-now franchise with the addition of an all-around guard, the Knicks value their young talent too much to relinquish it, even if it is for a high-caliber talent like Bledsoe.
“We brought him in to develop him,’’ Hornacek said of Ntilikina. “When he doesn’t have the injuries, he’s a smart kid. Tell him once, he’s got the plays. He’s got to battle these nagging injuries. We want him back as soon as possible so we can play him.”
Ntilikina wasn't bothered by the trade rumors, but is rather focused on his recovery and adaptation to the NBA game.
“I heard he wants to be traded but I’m focused on basketball and my game to be better,’’ Ntilikina said. “It’s nice (Phoenix asked about me) but I’m focusing on my game how to be better.”
Hernangomez is out of Hornacek's rotation thanks to the emergence of Kyle O'Quinn and the return piece that Enes Kanter has become at the five spot, providing the bulk of the scoring on the block.
“Just intensity level on every play has been great and his ability to block shots adds something our team needs,” said Hornacek of O'Quinn earning his minutes this time around. “We’ve talked to him not always having to block a shot.”
“If you’re in a right spot and square someone up, that’s as good as blocking it. Last year Kyle opened up a lot, trying to line guys up to block their shots and, yes, he’d block one here but two others are layups. He’s doing a great job of not doing that.’’
Ntilikina will take a while to adapt, regardless of his smarts — and letting go of a chance like this while other teams are offering more for Bledsoe could be a chance they soon come to regret.
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