8) New York Knicks- Frank Ntilikina, Point Guard, Strasbourg International (France), 18.9 years old
Stats per game 2016-17 French League: 19.1 MIN/5.3 PTS/.53 eFG%/40.3 3PT%/2.3 REB/1.5 AST/0.8 STL/0.2 BLK
Measurements: 6’5” height/170 lbs.
The Knicks are hell-bent on running the triangle, making French international Ntilikina the logical pick with his defense and off-ball abilities. The triangle asks the point to spot-up more than run the offense and Ntilikina can make threes consistently. His basketball feel is good, and he is improving as a passer with more experience running an offense.
His calling card is on defense, however. He is active on the ball using his length to bother opponents. He can handle one through three on the perimeter and competes hard on this side of the floor. The Knicks are building around Kristaps Porzingis as Phil Jackson forces Carmelo out of town. Ntilikina isn’t the flashiest pick but would fill their void at the point in their triangle system.