2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 25: Lakers at No. 1, Knicks at No. 2
By Chris Stone
Frank Ntilikina
PG, Strasbourg
Draft status: In, but undecided
The Dallas Mavericks have been a favorite landing spot for Strasbourg’s Frank Ntilikina in these mock drafts for good reason. The Mavericks need a long-term solution at the point guard spot and Ntilkina has that type of upside. Plus, if he fails, he would slot in nicely as a 3-and-D shooting guard who could thrive for many years in the league.
Ntilikina’s performances in youth international competitions lend credence to the idea that he could develop into a lead guard at the NBA level. In those events, he’s been a good scorer and shown he can be a high quality pick-and-roll ball-handler. Ntilikina can attack off the dribble even though he’s not the quickest guard and is a decent enough facilitator. At Strasbourg, though, he’s largely played off the ball and shown himself to be a quality 3-point shooter. If he puts it all together, then he can fill the point guard need.
At 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, Ntilikina also has some interesting defensive upside. He should be rather switchable assuming he adds some weight to his frame and he’s impressed on that end through his playing career so far.