New York Knicks general manager believes in Frank Ntilikina.

The controversial first-round pick seems to have the approval of Perry, who came to the defense of his rookie during a wide-ranging interview with Marc Berman of the New York Post.

Perry said Ntilikina is coming along nicely, even though he has to learn how to be a point guard in the NBA, per Berman.

“I see a 19-year-old whose eyes are wide open. He’s a sponge,” Perry said. “This is a young kid trying to figure out not only the NBA game but moving to a new country. There’s a lot of adjusting going on. He’s trying to master what I believe is the toughest position in the game.”

Article Continues Below
More New York Knicks News
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) celebrates his three point shot against the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter of game five of the eastern conference finals during the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Knicks star Jalen Brunson hilariously clarifies viral cryptic tweetJackson Stone ·
Desmond Bane in Magic jersey looking down at Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns with the Larry Obrien trophy
How Knicks’ title pursuit is complicated by Magic’s Desmond Bane tradeDrew Maresca ·
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd looks on during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at the American Airlines Center.
NBA rumors: ‘Door not closed’ on Jason Kidd leaving Mavericks for KnicksRishav Bhat ·
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) and forward OG Anunoby (8) react after a three point basket by center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) to clinch a win over the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena.
Knicks rumors: Insider makes 40% prediction for major tradePreston Byers ·
Memphis Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard (10) drives to the basket as Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum.
Knicks rumors: Insider names career 43.8% 3-point shooter as free agent targetZachary Weinberger ·
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Footprint Center.
Knicks rumors: More evidence emerges on New York not wanting Kevin Durant tradeZachary Weinberger ·

Ntilikina is only averaging 5.4 points and 3.3 assists in 19.4 minutes per game, per Basketball Reference. But the Knicks have only played 25 percent of the season thus far, so there is plenty of time for him to get better.

And the comment about point guard being the most difficult in the NBA to learn is true. Historically, it takes a lot of time for the point guard to find their footing in the league.

Ntilikina will be just fine. In time, he will be one of the top point guards in the league.