Knicks Rumors: Malik Monk, Frank Ntilikina Are Targets In 2017 NBA Draft
New York Knicks rumors: The team reportedly has their eyes on Malik Monk and Frank Ntilikina in the 2017 NBA Draft.
New York Knicks rumors involving the 2017 NBA Draft will undoubtedly pop up soon. Too often in recent history, the Knicks have not been involved in the NBA Draft; that is part of why the team is in the shape that it is now. The Knicks actually own their first round pick this season and will be looking to add to franchise cornerstone Kristaps Porzingis.
Taking a look at the Knicks roster it is clear where they need help. The front court looks potentially set for the next decade with Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez. What they could really use is a young perimeter player, namely a guard, to run with.
Thankfully for the Knicks, this draft is loaded with guard prospects. Looking at the Knicks situation in the backcourt this summer and it is rather ugly. Courtney Lee is a steady veteran at shooting guard, but there is literally nothing at point guard.
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Derrick Rose is set to hit free agency as an unrestricted free agent. While the Knicks have not ruled out re-signing him, it is probably best if both parties split. The Knicks like what they have in Chasson Randle and Ron Baker, but both look more like combo guards to bring off the bench; not starters for a NBA team.
The 2017 NBA Draft could give the Knicks an opportunity to land that starting point guard. Right now the Knicks are tied with the Sacramento Kings for the sixth-worst record in the NBA. They are only 1.5 games better than the Orlando Magic, who are currently the fourth-worst team in the NBA.
If things stay as they currently are, the Knicks would most likely miss out on top prospects such as Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, and Dennis Smith Jr. With how loaded this class is the Knicks would still have an excellent chance of landing an impact player even with the seventh overall selection.
Rumor has it that the Knicks are already setting their sights on some players. According to ESPN New York’s Ian Begley, the Knicks are targeting Kentucky guard Malik Monk and French point guard Frank Ntilikina.
Monk is part of a loaded Kentucky team that should once again have multiple first round picks. His backcourt mate, De’Aaron Fox, could also find his way into the top-10 of the 2017 NBA Draft. Monk is arguably the best of the current Wildcat bunch.
He has shown off his scoring prowess throughout the season. He dropped 47 on North Carolina, also having monster 34 and 37 point games against Ole Miss and Georgia as well. Possibly his best performance came against defensive-minded Florida when he scored 33, 30 of which came in the second half.
Monk has a silky smooth jump shot and elite athleticism. The only real knock against him is his size. He is listed at 6-feet-3 inches, which is small for a shooting guard in the NBA. He can handle the basketball but is not a point guard. He hunts for his shot and will have to work on his shot selection.
But, there is no denying that Monk would be an excellent addition to the Knicks should they have a shot at selecting him. He has also shown the ability to play defense, something the Knicks should be looking to improve in the offseason.
In Ntilikina the Knicks could unearth another international gem. They have done well recently with Porzingis, Hernangomez, and Mindaugas Kuzminskas. Ntilikina could be next of that bunch. Many fans will not know who he is, but that was the story with Porzingis as well; if he was in college he’d probably be right there at the top.
The Knicks could benefit from Ntilikina having limited exposure. His team in his French league plays him sparingly, as he averages only 5.0 points, 0.9 assists, 1.9 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per game. The stats make him look like a non-prospect, but he is everything you’re looking for in a modern day NBA point guard.
Ntilikina has excellent size at 6-feet-5 inches, giving him the ability to defend multiple positions. He is also lightning quick, showing great leadership skills with a pass-first mentality according to ESPN.
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He needs to work on his jump shot, but the tools are there. He could be the Knicks floor general for years to come. He or Monk would be great additions to the Knicks in the 2017 NBA Draft. Selecting as high as the Knicks are projected, they should be able to find a player with a bright outlook and help out immediately as well.