At the 2017 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks selected Frank Ntilikina (No. 8), Damyean Dotson (No. 44), and Ognjen Jaramaz (No. 58). Just a week later, the Knicks and President Phil Jackson mutually agreed to part ways.
With Steve Mills being promoted to President and Scott Perry named the general manager, there may be questions if the new front office agreed with Jackson's lottery selection. According to Stefan Bondy of New York Daily News, Mills is ‘very comfortable' with Ntilikina:
“I talked to our scouts a lot about Frank before the draft. I went over and watched Frank play prior to the draft, met with Frank’s coaches and learned a lot about who he is as a player and who he is as a person,” Mills said. “So I’m very comfortable with that draft pick. I would have selected Frank at that point in the draft myself. He’s a guy that fits in everything that we’re talking about right now. He’s a smart basketball player. He focuses defensively and his approach to the game, his work ethic, fit exactly in the direction that we want to take this team.”
When the Knicks were on the clock, Ntilikina, Dennis Smith Jr., and Malik Monk were still on the board. While Ntilikina recently turned 19 years old and has potential, many felt New York was better off with an established college player to pair with Kristaps Porzingis.
Time will tell if the Knicks made the right pick under Jackson. As the new season approaches, all the attention remains on Carmelo Anthony's future in New York. The new front office recently re-engaged with the Houston Rockets and it will be interesting to see if they make a move before training camp begins.
Follow Us
Subscribe