Hoops Habit
Fansided

New York Knicks: Phil Jackson’s mentorship plan for Frank Ntilikina

By Ed Easton Jr.

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 8: Frank Ntilikina #11 and Coach Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks speak during the game against the Orlando Magic on November 8, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 8: Frank Ntilikina #11 and Coach Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks speak during the game against the Orlando Magic on November 8, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The plans for New York Knicks rookie Frank Ntilikina would be very different had former team president Phil Jackson remained with the franchise.

The 2017-18 rookie campaign for New York Knicks first round selection Frank Ntilikina is beginning to move a lot smoother with each game played. The development of the young France native is key for the team’s future success, so there was an emphasis on bringing in a strong veteran mentor to help him through his first season.

According to the NY Post, Knicks brass led by then-team president Phil Jackson had plans on matching Ntilikina with veteran point guard George Hill via free agency this past summer. Jackson and the franchise parted ways shortly after drafting Ntilikina, leading many to believe there was no clear-cut plan for the future under Jackson’s guidance.

The Knicks were rumored to bring in Hill on July 1 as their top mentor option, and he seemed to have caught the attention of Jackson after the draft. It is also interesting to note that, according to the NY Post, Hill is friends with current Knicks players Courtney Lee and Joakim Noah. Instead, Hill was not pursued by New York after Jackson’s departure and ended up with the Sacramento Kings, playing the mentor role for explosive rookie De’Aaron Fox.

During his introductory press conference with the Kings back in July, Hill expressed his excitement on working with the former Kentucky Wildcat.

"“I told him I thought he was the best guard in the draft, I thought Sacramento got a steal. What he brings to the game with his speed, he can finish, developing his shot. I’m gonna work with him putting on some bulk, some muscle. He might not get big, but physically strong, wiry strong. I’m just eager to get with him, take him under my wing, try to build something special.”"

Jarrett Jack has been amazing in the mentor role for New York this season, seemingly snatching away the roster spot from teammate Ramon Sessions two weeks ago. Ntilikina may not be putting up big numbers as many from his rookie class are, but he’s shown improvement in managing the offense at the point guard position and is holding his own defensively.

The 7’0″ wingspan of Ntilikina has caused issues for smaller opposing point guards already this season. This has allowed head coach Jeff Hornacek the comfortable task of keeping him on the court during crunch time, most notably during the Knicks’ comeback victory against the Indiana Pacers after being down by 19 points.

Hornacek shared his thoughts on Ntilikina’s impressive performance on both sides of the floor during his postgame press conference.

"“He’s kind of been feeling his way out there. We’ve had him in there, but that’s the first real crunch-time minutes for him and he came through. That’s big. It says a ton about him and the way he plays with confidence. He’s not afraid of the moment, and it doesn’t look like he’s afraid of anything.”"

Knicks legend Walt Frazier who knows plenty about the point guard position and Phil Jackson gave me his brief thoughts on the team during his restaurant “Clyde’s Wine and Dine” special wine tasting event.

"“If the team continues playing good defense, they will be fine.”"

The basketball Hall of Famer and two-time NBA champion optimistically said this, along with his signature phrase “Swishin and Dishin” in regards to the team winning five out of its last seven games. It’s no coincidence that one of Ntilikina’s specialities is the defensive end of the floor, which bodes well for his place in the ongoing rebuild.

Next: 2017-18 Week 4 NBA Power Rankings

Saturday night’s battle of the mentors and rookies should be exciting for all those involved as the Knicks hope to get back into the win column back home against Sacramento. The defense from Ntilikina on the speedy offensive minded Fox will be the marquee attraction.

Home/New York Knicks