The New York Knicks have until Oct. 31 to make a decision regarding Frank Ntilikina's $6.3 million team option. However, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post, that decision is expected to come before the team's regular-season opener to “eliminate any distraction.”
The Knicks have to make a decision on Ntilikina’s fourth-year option of $6.3 million and a source indicated it could be made before the season opener to eliminate any distraction.
Head coach David Fizdale still needs to make a decision regarding the structure of the Knicks' point guard rotation. The “safe choice” for the starting role is Elfrid Payton because of the impact that he provides in areas such as playmaking and defense.
Not to mention that they promised him the role when they recruited him in free agency.
However, Dennis Smith Jr. provides is an intriguing starting point guard for the Knicks, especially with his explosiveness and potential. As for Ntilikina, his defensive impact is his main attribute and it's hard to deny his presence, especially after how he shut down Kemba Walker during the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
It is unlikely that Ntilikina is a true contender for the point guard role in the starting lineup. His size and length make him a potential option to slide over to the shooting guard position during stretches, as he did at times last season alongside Emmanuel Mudiay.
Ntilikina is coming off a season with averages of 5.7 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists. He is entering his third season in the NBA and will be looking to solidify himself as a more of an offensive threat after struggling with his efficiency for two seasons.
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