2017 NBA Mock Draft: The best choice each team can make

Outside of Kristaps Porzingis, the New York Knicks don’t really have many, if any, building blocks for the long-term vision of the franchise. That means that nearly any selection — outside of a big man — would be viable with the No. 8 pick. However, Strasbourg’s Frank Ntilikina has the potential to develop into the Knicks’ future point guard with a solid outcome as a 3-and-D shooting guard should he fail.

The concerns about Ntilikina’s point guard potential relate to his lack of burst and explosiveness in the halfcourt. That may eventually come as the 6-foot-5 guard adds additional strength and weight to his frame, but it’s difficult to project. In New York, though, Ntilikina won’t necessarily be tasked with being an elite creator if the franchise sticks to its guns on the triangle offense. As more of a combo guard, the Frenchman is perfectly capable of executing in that setting with any creation he develops turning into a bonus.

Now, even if Ntilikina fails to develop into the point guard of the future for the Knicks, he has solid 3-and-D potential. He’s turned into a solid outside shooter this season while largely playing off the ball and his 6-foot-10 wingspan gives him the length to be a versatile option on the defensive end.

Learn more about Frank Ntilikina at The Step Back.