New York Knicks guard Frank Ntilikina has been sidelined since last month with a groin issue. On Saturday, the team reported that he was re-evaluated, stating that he is making progress and will ramp up his rehabilitation efforts, including running.
On the season, Ntilikina has played in 41 games and is averaging 5.9 points, 2.8 assists and two rebounds over 21.3 minutes per game while shooting 34.2 percent from the floor, 29.1 percent from three-point range and 75 percent from the free-throw line.
The 20-year-old was selected by the Knicks with the eighth overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft.
He appeared in 78 contests during his rookie year, registering 5.9 points, 3.2 assists and 2.3 boards across 21.9 minutes a night while making 36.4 percent of his field-goal attempts, 31.8 percent of his long-distance tries and 72.1 percent of his foul shots.
While Ntilikina certainly has good defensive potential and versatility, the Knicks have been a bit concerned about his lack of progression this season, as the Belgium native has actually regressed a bit.
As a result, there was some discussion within the organization about potentially trading Ntilikina before the deadline, but New York ultimately decided to hold on to him.
The young guard could also represent a potential trade piece this offseason, as the Knicks are rumored to be one of the top destinations for Anthony Davis when the New Orleans Pelicans decide to move him.
Even though Ntilikina has not shown all that much thus far in his brief NBA career, he would likely be included in any deal for Davis, as his youth and defensive potential could be enough to persuade the Pelicans into taking him.
Follow Us
Subscribe