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Frank Ntilikina – 6’5” Point Guard, France, 18 Years Old
Frank Ntilikina is a point guard from France, who is projected to be a top-10 lottery pick. In his final season playing for Strasbourg, the Frenchman averaged 5.2 points, 1.2 assists and two rebounds per game. He would shoot an impressive 57.4% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc. However his free-throw numbers would be underwhelming, with the point guard shooting a disappointing 55.6% at the line. Developing a good all-round game, the 18 year old has played in the French League, Champions League and Euro League. He was named French League Best Young Player for the 2015/16 season.
Strengths
Standing at 6’5”, he’s a player who plays with great length and athleticism. Smooth in transition, with the ability to push the pace when necessary. An unselfish player, something NBA teams will be keen on. Along with that unselfishness, he plays with great court vision, a necessity in today’s NBA. Confidence is something he has an abundance of on the court. Confidence translates into control, something you need to be successful. Effective at both ends, he makes an impact on and off the ball. Able to drive to basket, shoot well and defend with energy and intensity, the French teenager doesn’t have many glaring weaknesses. However, no draft prospect is perfect.
Weaknesses
One of his weaknesses is rather evident on the stat sheet. The free-throw percentage is a real problem. Shooting a woeful 55.6% from the line, he really needs to work on this aspect of his game. Otherwise, NBA teams could be put off by the shockingly poor average. After all he is a point guard, who is very effective at getting to the rim and forcing fouls. Another key aspect is his size. Now, he may be 6’5”, but weighing in at just 170 pounds, muscle needs to be added. Think of Los Angeles Lakers rookie Brandon Ingram. Ingram is severely under-sized at 190 pounds, because he’s 6’10”. If Ntilikina was the same size as Russell Westbrook, there would be no problem. But standing at 6’5” plus, 190 pounds would suit him much better in an NBA environment.
He may play with confidence on the court, but some describe him as quiet off the court. The talented Frenchman will need to impose himself, if he is to make an instant impact in the association.
NBA Potential
Ntilikina has a ton of potential, you could say he’s a raw talent. Only 18 years old, he will need time at the next level. Now that doesn’t mean teams like the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings won’t make him a lottery pick. However, with players like Dennis Smith Jr. hanging around, impressive workouts will be needed to sway teams in his favor. He has all the tools to be a success, but he isn’t exactly NBA ready. Improvement at the line and bulking up will be key, with the impressive guard destined to be a lottery pick.
NBA Player Comparison
The best player comparison for Ntilikina is Utah Jazz guard Dante Exum. Both tall and lanky, Exum is quite the comparison. When Exum entered the draft, questions were asked of his strength. There was no doubting his ability and potential, just like Ntilikina. The Frenchman could follow the same path as the Australian. Drafted by a guard needy team, Exum would ride the bench for a while. Starting 67 games in his first two seasons, Exum still doesn’t blow fans away with his numbers. However, Exum is slowly adapting to the NBA game. Ntilikina should follow a similar path. Any player with tons of potential has expectations attached. In a stacked point guard class, he may hover under the radar. However, talent is talent and this player has it. Who ever lands the Frenchman is getting a great prospect and potentially a future star.
Expect Frank Ntilikina to be a top-10 pick on draft night, and be sure to stay updated with our complete coverage of the 2017 NBA Draft!
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