2017 NBA Mock Draft: What if the Lakers don’t take Lonzo Ball?

Strasbourg guard Frank Ntilikina is one of the youngest prospects in the class. At 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, he has great size to play either guard position, but his youth is reflected in his lack of strength and athleticism. If Ntilikina is able to add additional muscle, he could experience a growth in explosiveness that would help take his game to another level.

As it is, Ntilikina lacks some of the burst necessary to be a full time lead guard at the NBA level, but if there’s any head coach in the league who can get the most out of him at that position, it’s like the Dallas Mavericks’ Rick Carlisle. Even if the 18-year old fails to develop into a full time point guard, he has upside as a shooting guard because of his off ball offense and defensive potential.

Ntilikina has improved significantly as a shooter this season while primarily playing off the ball in Europe. He also has the length to be a bothersome defender. At worst, Ntilikina seems like a projectable 3-and-D option. Combine that with his upside as a potential point guard and it’s understandable why he’s a projected lottery pick.

Learn more about Frank Ntilikina at The Step Back.