2017 NBA Mock Draft: The 76ers lock up a point guard

The New York Knicks need to find a replacement for point guard Derrick Rose and while Strasbourg’s Frank Ntilikina may not be ready to take on that role right away, he could learn to do so in time, especially if the front office insists on using the principles of the triangle to develop the team’s offense. Ntilikina is more of a combo guard who has upside as a lead guard, but can fall back into a 3-and-D role. Those sort of guards, though, have historically succeeded in the system.

Ntilikina has shown himself capable of running pick-and-roll during youth international competitions, but there are questions about how he’ll handle the explosiveness of the NBA. As his frame fills out, his athleticism and burst may improve to help answer those questions, but it’s still an uncertainty right now. Ntilikina has spent most of his season playing off the ball for Strasbourg where his 3-point shot has improved drastically, helping to open up his offensive game.

On defense, Ntilikina has the potential to be a swarming, versatile option. At 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, he has the length to defend multiple positions. Now, he just needs to add the strength.

Learn more about Frank Ntilikina at The Step Back.