New York Knicks rookie Frank Ntilikina will be the latest to wear jersey No. 11. Here are the five most notable No. 11’s in franchise history.
Frank Ntilikina is a big part of the New York Knicks‘ rebuilding efforts and future moving forward with the franchise. His first big decision as a member of the Knicks was selecting No. 11 as his new jersey number.
The No. 11 holds an interesting place with the team as many great players have sported it in the team’s history. Ntilikina is hoping to make an impact in his first season with the Knicks while adjusting to playing in a new country. The 6’5″ guard recently spoke with the New York Times regarding his excitement to play in the Big Apple and goals for the upcoming season.
"“Obviously, I take care of enjoying the moment because we live only one time, Being here I think it’s necessary sometimes to sit down on the couch and say: ‘Wow, I did this. I did that. I’m here. I’m there.’ But not too much to me because what I want obviously is more. I don’t want to stop being here just getting drafted, stop working, stop looking for more and more. I want to go further than that. That’s why I don’t spend too much time sitting on the couch and, ‘Like, wow, I’m in New York.’ I want more. “What I know is maybe I’m not — not ready — but I’m not going to be great now, but what I’m going to do for sure is work a lot, I’m going to work very hard. I will trust the process, work hard and try to be the best me in the future. Maybe it will take time, maybe not. We’ll figure it out.”"
The guessing game continues among many NBA skeptics as to the skill and potential growth of Ntilikina, who is still a teenager. The physical abilities are there, but will he pick up the intense learning curve against some of the best point guards in the league?
The Knicks are hoping the new jersey number brings a little luck that helped to make the following names so respected in the franchise’s history.