Knicks · If Cuban moves up and takes Ntili...is it a bad thing? (page 1)

Recent reports have Dallas and Cuban really interested in Ntilikina--so much so that they hired one of his coaches to coach their Summer League team. It's no secret around the league that we have been seriously scouting Ntili and have strong interest in him with our pick. Part of the reasoning for this is that he's a) a Euro player and b) fits our triangle scheme perfectly.

Let's say that Cuban is as enamored with Ntili as they're saying and trades up to pick him ahead of us, is it necessarily a bad thing for us?

By Cuban making such a bold move, it would disrupt the draft order and a higher rated player would slip--leaving us with better options for our pick. Let's say that Isaac drops to 8 because of this move, this would be a steal for us at 8 with his value, in terms of best available player. It may be a blessing in disguise if Cuban is willing to double down and reach to get an unknown French prospect.

Depends on how you feel about Nitty. If you think he's a transformational player, then Y, bad thing along the lines of the Warriors taking Curry and us getting left with Jordan Hill. That was a bad night. I hope this Thursday is not a repeat.

I don't know who he would trade with. I think the Magic take Smith at 6. I think the TWolves take Laurie, Isaac or Jackson/Tatum if they fall. That has the Knicks looking at Frank, Monk and possibly one of the forwards ranked in the top 5. The Mavs only have their first rounder this year (I believe). I don't know what they would give up and I don't know who would trade with them.

Ironic how Dallas was tipped off about Nitty by another French point guard who was a bust for them, Rodrigue Beaubois.

This time of year everyone is trying to be slick. They could be hyping up Ntilikina now bc the Mavs did their previous due diligence in scouting him. I'm thinking Mavs would love Dennis Smith Jr to fall to them bc he could be a game changing player in today's NBA.

I'm thinking Smith gets drafted before us by Minnesota; who then trades us Rubio for Lee & we draft Monk.. just a hunch

Isaac is the most intriguing player in this draft but think Orlando will snag him.

Seems to obvious for Cuban to be so forward. They must be faking to get the Knicks to pass on DSJ.

Don't trust Cuban for a New York minute. It's a head fake. Otherwise he could've engaged Phil for a swap of some sort or another move up maneuver. Frank N ain't my thing. Everyone Is maneuvering now and let's see if D Smith and Lauri go 5 and 7. If so either Isaac or Tatum could be available and Monk is a great fallback at # 8. Don't f up Phil. Taking frank will only ensure a top 3 lottery pick next year and if that's his objective go for it but Boston and Phili are in for keeps

Paris907 wrote:Don't trust Cuban for a New York minute. It's a head fake. Otherwise he could've engaged Phil for a swap of some sort or another move up maneuver. Frank N ain't my thing. Everyone Is maneuvering now and let's see if D Smith and Lauri go 5 and 7. If so either Isaac or Tatum could be available and Monk is a great fallback at # 8. Don't f up Phil. Taking frank will only ensure a top 3 lottery pick next year and if that's his objective go for it but Boston and Phili are in for keeps

Truthfully we are better off getting a top 3 pick next year anyway. Also If Phil and Gaines are that high on Frank then they need to stick to their guns. Lets face it so far they have had a good track record drafting Euro players like KP and Willy

Maybe Cuban see's him as the best player in EU and having lived through Dirk understand the value of properly grooming and developing him. They have worked hard to build relationships with this player. Hiring Ntilikina's coach for the summer league is not a head fake.

Knicks have seen a lot of Frank and despite not working should have a good idea what the story is. We will see if he's the guy or not.

Not at all...Any prospect available at 8 will have his share of warts. It's up to management to select the prospect that has the most upside and fits the vision and philosophy of the team moving forward. A case can be made for the 3 prospects that may be available: Frank N, Smith and Monk.

The reason why Rose was brought in was because management felt a need for a pg who could play downhill, get into the paint and get to the foul line. Smith has that skill-set and is a very good possibility at 8. Smith does not have the same wear-n-tear of Rose, but he does have a history of knee problems. Also, some questionable work ethic issues.

Monk is excellent off the ball and is the anti ball stopper. He can score the ball with limited touches and is perhaps the best shooter in the draft. Monk is a smart player who is in constant motion and he finds the holes and gaps in the defense. He is the most ready to make an immediate impact tomorrow. His slight frame and size and lack of a handle are his weaknesses.

Frank N has good size, and shows a willingness to defend. He's also a ball mover and shows lots of upside. However, he lacks the explosiveness of Monk and Smith and is inconsistent like Smith from the perimeter.

Tough call, but I wouldn't put it past Cuban to be blowing smoke about Frank N. He may be bluffing and hope we snatch Frank N so he can grab Smith...

Uptown wrote:Not at all...Any prospect available at 8 will have his share of warts. It's up to management to select the prospect that has the most upside and fits the vision and philosophy of the team moving forward. A case can be made for the 3 prospects that may be available: Frank N, Smith and Monk.

The reason why Rose was brought in was because management felt a need for a pg who could play downhill, get into the paint and get to the foul line. Smith has that skill-set and is a very good possibility at 8. Smith does not have the same wear-n-tear of Rose, but he does have a history of knee problems. Also, some questionable work ethic issues.

Monk is excellent off the ball and is the anti ball stopper. He can score the ball with limited touches and is perhaps the best shooter in the draft. Monk is a smart player who is in constant motion and he finds the holes and gaps in the defense. He is the most ready to make an immediate impact tomorrow. His slight frame and size and lack of a handle are his weaknesses.

Frank N has good size, and shows a willingness to defend. He's also a ball mover and shows lots of upside. However, he lacks the explosiveness of Monk and Smith and is inconsistent like Smith from the perimeter.

Tough call, but I wouldn't put it past Cuban to be blowing smoke about Frank N. He may be bluffing and hope we snatch Frank N so he can grab Smith...

I dont care who it is, only that we do our DD and pick the right guy. All are good prospects.

Cuban will do that if he loves a player. He'll make a deal with the Wolves. Cuban has assets and I don't think the Wolves are that in love with anyone at 7 that they can't get at 9. They already have so many young kids on the Wolves, I see them looking for more veteran role players to help win more games.

Wolves/Mavs swap looks very possible. Lets see what's going on.
It's not like the Knicks have tipped their hand. As much speculation as you've heard about Nti and NY, NY never worked him out and has been linked to Kennard and Monk as well. Very hard to say what the Knicks will do.

Cuban did go all the way to meet him and has hired his coach for summer league play. For sure it looks like he wants Nti, bad. Now whether he feels NY is taking him or not, we'll see. NY hasn't tipped their hand. If NY drafts Ntilikina, I applaud them because they have not tipped their hand. People are not certain what the Knicks will do at all. Like I said, we've been linked to Kennard and Monk, too.

No. Other prospects who have more upside, and one of them will fall to us because Cuban jumped ahead. If the Knicks were a contender, and Phil felt drafting Frank addressed a specific need like defense, I would be on board. Not when there are so many holes to fill on both ends of the court.

Sure wouldn't pass on a possible D. Russell deal to take him. No way.

fishmike wrote:

Uptown wrote:Not at all...Any prospect available at 8 will have his share of warts. It's up to management to select the prospect that has the most upside and fits the vision and philosophy of the team moving forward. A case can be made for the 3 prospects that may be available: Frank N, Smith and Monk.

The reason why Rose was brought in was because management felt a need for a pg who could play downhill, get into the paint and get to the foul line. Smith has that skill-set and is a very good possibility at 8. Smith does not have the same wear-n-tear of Rose, but he does have a history of knee problems. Also, some questionable work ethic issues.

Monk is excellent off the ball and is the anti ball stopper. He can score the ball with limited touches and is perhaps the best shooter in the draft. Monk is a smart player who is in constant motion and he finds the holes and gaps in the defense. He is the most ready to make an immediate impact tomorrow. His slight frame and size and lack of a handle are his weaknesses.

Frank N has good size, and shows a willingness to defend. He's also a ball mover and shows lots of upside. However, he lacks the explosiveness of Monk and Smith and is inconsistent like Smith from the perimeter.

Tough call, but I wouldn't put it past Cuban to be blowing smoke about Frank N. He may be bluffing and hope we snatch Frank N so he can grab Smith...

I dont care who it is, only that we do our DD and pick the right guy. All are good prospects.

At 8, yes all are good prospects...I love Smith but his knee issues are a bit of a concern when you consider our last pg has had several knee surgeries. If Monk is sitting there, it will be hard to pass him up. He can step right in and drop 30 on opening night...He's the most ready with a highly coveted skill in the version of the NBA.

Bad thing unless Fox or Issac falls to us. No interest in the others

I just watched Frank Ntilikina highlights....And I've talked about comparisons to my game before, with other NBA players. I've also said, what the knicks need at PG was a younger version of me. Back when I signed on, it was me in 2004. For the first time in years, I've found a player who's almost exactly like me, except he's 6'5 and I'm 6'0....This is how I looked in HS (steals, blocks, lock down defender) and when I was in college (intramural basketball or playing against the basketball players), I developed an iso game. So I was the perfect two way player in my prime years, and why I'm still deadly at 44 (minus the knee pains...lol).

Frank Ntilikina to the knicks is similar to KP to the knicks. Phil lucked up again and has the perfect triangle PG land on his lap. Once again, Phil will get credit for drafting Frank, but I don't see it that way. He just lucked up. Lucky for us, he hasn't worked out for anybody.....And I'm sure he's had a secret workout for the knicks already, since he arrived in NY on Tuesday.

Frank is exactly what Phil is looking for. And instead of drafting all these offensive PG's......You need someone to guard these offensive PG's......But who can also facilitate and shoot the 3. That’s Frank.....Welcome to NY. If Dallas jumps ahead of us, that WILL HURT. My guess is Dennis Smith would drop, and I think he's fools gold. But I've been wrong before. I'm not wrong with Frank....He has the length and more important than anything, the defensive IQ and instincts that you can't teach.

blkexec wrote:I just watched Frank Ntilikina highlights....And I've talked about comparisons to my game before, with other NBA players. I've also said, what the knicks need at PG was a younger version of me. Back when I signed on, it was me in 2004. For the first time in years, I've found a player who's almost exactly like me, except he's 6'5 and I'm 6'0....This is how I looked in HS (steals, blocks, lock down defender) and when I was in college (intramural basketball or playing against the basketball players), I developed an iso game. So I was the perfect two way player in my prime years, and why I'm still deadly at 44 (minus the knee pains...lol).

Frank Ntilikina to the knicks is similar to KP to the knicks. Phil lucked up again and has the perfect triangle PG land on his lap. Once again, Phil will get credit for drafting Frank, but I don't see it that way. He just lucked up. Lucky for us, he hasn't worked out for anybody.....And I'm sure he's had a secret workout for the knicks already, since he arrived in NY on Tuesday.

Frank is exactly what Phil is looking for. And instead of drafting all these offensive PG's......You need someone to guard these offensive PG's......But who can also facilitate and shoot the 3. That’s Frank.....Welcome to NY. If Dallas jumps ahead of us, that WILL HURT. My guess is Dennis Smith would drop, and I think he's fools gold. But I've been wrong before. I'm not wrong with Frank....He has the length and more important than anything, the defensive IQ and instincts that you can't teach.

100 percent agree, did you see that wingspan!!! He also is a very good shooter ! I'm all in for Frank he's leading a French team full of grown men at 18...I felt the same way about KP before the draft, he's the steal of the draft.

KP,Willy,frank,baker hopeful for a steal in the second round and maybe get a mid first

fitzfarm wrote:

blkexec wrote:I just watched Frank Ntilikina highlights....And I've talked about comparisons to my game before, with other NBA players. I've also said, what the knicks need at PG was a younger version of me. Back when I signed on, it was me in 2004. For the first time in years, I've found a player who's almost exactly like me, except he's 6'5 and I'm 6'0....This is how I looked in HS (steals, blocks, lock down defender) and when I was in college (intramural basketball or playing against the basketball players), I developed an iso game. So I was the perfect two way player in my prime years, and why I'm still deadly at 44 (minus the knee pains...lol).

Frank Ntilikina to the knicks is similar to KP to the knicks. Phil lucked up again and has the perfect triangle PG land on his lap. Once again, Phil will get credit for drafting Frank, but I don't see it that way. He just lucked up. Lucky for us, he hasn't worked out for anybody.....And I'm sure he's had a secret workout for the knicks already, since he arrived in NY on Tuesday.

Frank is exactly what Phil is looking for. And instead of drafting all these offensive PG's......You need someone to guard these offensive PG's......But who can also facilitate and shoot the 3. That’s Frank.....Welcome to NY. If Dallas jumps ahead of us, that WILL HURT. My guess is Dennis Smith would drop, and I think he's fools gold. But I've been wrong before. I'm not wrong with Frank....He has the length and more important than anything, the defensive IQ and instincts that you can't teach.

100 percent agree, did you see that wingspan!!! He also is a very good shooter ! I'm all in for Frank he's leading a French team full of grown men at 18...I felt the same way about KP before the draft, he's the steal of the draft.

KP,Willy,frank,baker hopeful for a steal in the second round and maybe get a mid first

Forgot about Baker.....another unselfish defender at the guard position. Frank, Baker, Lee are solid guard defenders with length. Just imagine if Noah comes back hungry this year, ready to prove something. Noah and KP would be a beast on defense. Melo coming in proving he's still an NBA star. It's a perfect storm.

fitzfarm wrote:

blkexec wrote:I just watched Frank Ntilikina highlights....And I've talked about comparisons to my game before, with other NBA players. I've also said, what the knicks need at PG was a younger version of me. Back when I signed on, it was me in 2004. For the first time in years, I've found a player who's almost exactly like me, except he's 6'5 and I'm 6'0....This is how I looked in HS (steals, blocks, lock down defender) and when I was in college (intramural basketball or playing against the basketball players), I developed an iso game. So I was the perfect two way player in my prime years, and why I'm still deadly at 44 (minus the knee pains...lol).

Frank Ntilikina to the knicks is similar to KP to the knicks. Phil lucked up again and has the perfect triangle PG land on his lap. Once again, Phil will get credit for drafting Frank, but I don't see it that way. He just lucked up. Lucky for us, he hasn't worked out for anybody.....And I'm sure he's had a secret workout for the knicks already, since he arrived in NY on Tuesday.

Frank is exactly what Phil is looking for. And instead of drafting all these offensive PG's......You need someone to guard these offensive PG's......But who can also facilitate and shoot the 3. That’s Frank.....Welcome to NY. If Dallas jumps ahead of us, that WILL HURT. My guess is Dennis Smith would drop, and I think he's fools gold. But I've been wrong before. I'm not wrong with Frank....He has the length and more important than anything, the defensive IQ and instincts that you can't teach.

100 percent agree, did you see that wingspan!!! He also is a very good shooter ! I'm all in for Frank he's leading a French team full of grown men at 18...I felt the same way about KP before the draft, he's the steal of the draft.

KP,Willy,frank,baker hopeful for a steal in the second round and maybe get a mid first

Yeah, people are mistaken if they think he can't score. His mid-range game is impressive for his game and he's going to have a length advantage over most backcourt players. He reminds of Spree in the sense that Spree was drafted for his defense and wasn't thought of as much of scorer coming into the league. His length and motor helped transform into a capable scorer his rookie year. Frank in won't come in and drop 20 his rookie year, but he will be able to contribute. His work ethic isn't a question and I'm guessing his scoring will get better in time.

BigDaddyG wrote:

fitzfarm wrote:

blkexec wrote:I just watched Frank Ntilikina highlights....And I've talked about comparisons to my game before, with other NBA players. I've also said, what the knicks need at PG was a younger version of me. Back when I signed on, it was me in 2004. For the first time in years, I've found a player who's almost exactly like me, except he's 6'5 and I'm 6'0....This is how I looked in HS (steals, blocks, lock down defender) and when I was in college (intramural basketball or playing against the basketball players), I developed an iso game. So I was the perfect two way player in my prime years, and why I'm still deadly at 44 (minus the knee pains...lol).

Frank Ntilikina to the knicks is similar to KP to the knicks. Phil lucked up again and has the perfect triangle PG land on his lap. Once again, Phil will get credit for drafting Frank, but I don't see it that way. He just lucked up. Lucky for us, he hasn't worked out for anybody.....And I'm sure he's had a secret workout for the knicks already, since he arrived in NY on Tuesday.

Frank is exactly what Phil is looking for. And instead of drafting all these offensive PG's......You need someone to guard these offensive PG's......But who can also facilitate and shoot the 3. That’s Frank.....Welcome to NY. If Dallas jumps ahead of us, that WILL HURT. My guess is Dennis Smith would drop, and I think he's fools gold. But I've been wrong before. I'm not wrong with Frank....He has the length and more important than anything, the defensive IQ and instincts that you can't teach.

100 percent agree, did you see that wingspan!!! He also is a very good shooter ! I'm all in for Frank he's leading a French team full of grown men at 18...I felt the same way about KP before the draft, he's the steal of the draft.

KP,Willy,frank,baker hopeful for a steal in the second round and maybe get a mid first

Yeah, people are mistaken if they think he can't score. His mid-range game is impressive for his game and he's going to have a length advantage over most backcourt players. He reminds of Spree in the sense that Spree was drafted for his defense and wasn't thought of as much of scorer coming into the league. His length and motor helped transform into a capable scorer his rookie year. Frank in won't come in and drop 20 his rookie year, but he will be able to contribute. His work ethic isn't a question and I'm guessing his scoring will get better in time.

Kawhi developed his offense once in the league, too. I prefer a player who focuses on winning basketball first, and let's the offense come second. Besides if we ever develop the ball- and player-movement offense we want there should be more easy shots.

I'm fine with Ntilikina especially if things get resolved with Melo or we trade Melo and keep Rose.
With a star creator like Melo or Rose on the perimeter, Nti can start right next to them and focus on defense, learning tge game, shoot 3's and all that stuff. He seems like a hungry for wins type of kid like KP is. Not leaving his team during a playoff run. Not many guys would do that.

If that's who they think is BPA, lets do it.
Just don't put pressure on him to be the primary guard right away. Maybe keep Melo or Rose (not both, our chemistry is better with one).