Knicks, the qualities of Ntilikina could be valuable to New York

Frank Ntilikina might be what Thibs thinks is the ideal trick for a stopping guard.

Ntilikina doesn’t need a world-renowned defensive teacher to bring out the best of her ball skills, but having one readily available in practice to discuss technique, scheme and theory is like having your grandma with already impressive cooking skills training. with Emeril Lagasse: it can only improve the final product.

Frank’s length and ability to wiggle his feet and harass the guards climbing the floor are fairly well documented, but what might miss the radar is his ability to block shots as a guard. His numbers will likely never reflect that of an elite shot blocker (and that’s okay, because he’s not expected to send defensive stats from the center), but he showed the presence of mind to block shooters who catch a three and bigger strikers in painting.

It will be very interesting to see how Leon Rose uses Frank on the board this off-season, knowing that he could be an important knight or bishop for his new manager. Trading a key defensive piece could force the Knicks to play checkers, which may not suit Thibodeau well.