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New York Knicks: 3 biggest disappointments from the 2018-19 season

By Daniel Lubofsky

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 22: Kevin Knox #20 and Lance Thomas #42 lift teammate Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks off the ground during the second half of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden on March 22, 2019 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 22: Kevin Knox #20 and Lance Thomas #42 lift teammate Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks off the ground during the second half of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden on March 22, 2019 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2. Lack of progress from Ntilikina

Frank Ntilikina’s rookie season was an interesting mixture of both pros and cons. On one hand, he shot just 36.4 percent from the field and 31.8 percent from beyond the arc. He looked uncomfortable at the point guard spot and raised questions about his ideal NBA position.

He also showed incredible defensive instincts at just 19 years of age. Standing 6’6” with a seven-foot wingspan, Ntilikina had the physical tools to become an elite perimeter defender. Seeing him stifle some of the games best helped New York swallow his struggles offensively, understanding his standing as a long-term project in need of tuning.

When it comes to developing players, both fans and organizations want to see progress. They want to see their investment headed in an upward trajectory. What made Ntilikina’s sophomore campaign so disappointing wasn’t because of a certain statistical threshold he failed to reach. Rather, his production took a step back with a decrease in just about every major category.

Some of this was due to unforeseen conditions. Starting from the end of January until the end of the regular season, Ntilikina appeared in just two games because of a groin injury. Head coach David Fizdale certainly did help the matter when his young point guard was available to play, giving him fewer minutes per game with less time at the point guard spot.

Frank also wasn’t aided by the number of floor generals he called teammates throughout the season. Trey Burke, Dennis Smith Jr. and Emmanuel Mudiay were all brought in by New York as fliers requiring playing time. As a result, Ntilikina received spotty minutes with fluctuating roles, including a handful of DNPs early in the season.

Such is the life of an unproven NBA player. There are no guarantees and one must come into the season ready for everything. This isn’t to say Ntilikina spent his offseason on the beach more than the gym. It was simply clear he didn’t work on obvious weaknesses, not even enough to see the slightest of improvements.

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