MAKING HIS POINT

Rook Ntilikina sets sights on being starting guard at Garden

From the moment they drafted Frank Ntilikina, the Knicks pushed a plan of bringing him along slowly — creating a longterm view that jibes with Steve Mills’ direction of a rebuild.

Still, the starting point guard spot remains very open for Ntilikina following an unconvincing free agency for New York, and the 19-year-old rookie told the Daily News — very humbly — that he desires to win it.

“Of course (I want to start),” Ntilikina said Friday with a confident nod before posing at a photoshoot for his Panini trading card. “However, like I said, I’m a team player. I just want what’s best for the team.

With all the top options either uninterested or too expensive, the Knicks failed in free agency to acquire a point guard who would command the starting job rather than having to fight for it in training camp. Ramon Sessions was ultimately signed on a minimum deal as the only veteran point guard on the roster, and he has never been a full-time starter in a 10year career.

In other words, the biggest story of Knicks training camp (aside from whatever is going on with Carmelo Anthony) should be the battle over the starting point guard spot — whether it’s Ntilikina, Sessions or Ron Baker. Most fans would prefer if Ntilikina gets the bulk of minutes since he carries the greatest upside.

“We’ll see how training camp goes,” Ntilikina said. “What we all want is for the team to do the best as possible. Right now, I’m just focused on getting better. If I start or I don’t start, my goal will be the same — trying to be good at the end.”

The eighth overall pick flaunts a freakish wingspan that many project will translate to elite perimeter defense, but Ntilikina also understands work is required — especially on his body. Even in a photoshoot with all rookies Friday, Ntilikina looked the youngest with his slight build and baby face.

“We all know it’s a different level here,” he said. “But I think defense itself is about mindset and you have to be physically strong. So whatever happens, I will work on it. I will work on it. I know I will have to work on my body to be able to do some things in the NBA. A lot of these guys are stronger than overseas players. It’s a challenge, so I will just go in the training room, go on the court, and fix it.

“It’s important for European players who come overseas to work on your body,” he added. “You see a lot of changes with European players versus the NBA, so I think it’s an important thing to do. So I’ve been working on that, working on my game.”

Having recovered from the bone bruise that sidelined him during Summer League, Ntilikina has settled in a home near the Knicks practice facility and has been working with the team’s staff. He was in contact with Kristaps Porzingis via text message, but wants to give the Latvian space ahead of the European championships.

“We’ll talk more when he comes back. I can’t wait to see him,” Ntilikina said.

He has also been in contact with Sessions, who was signed to serve as the rookie’s mentor.

“I’m just looking forward to playing with him,” Ntilikina said. “I know he’s here to give me a lot of advice.”

As for the No. 7 elephant in the room (the rookie photoshoot was held at the Knicks practice facility), Ntilikina said he hasn’t yet worked out with Carmelo Anthony despite sharing a personal trainer. However, the rookie understands the benefit of teaming up with Anthony should trade negotiations with the Rockets fall apart again.

“He did a lot of good things in his career,” Ntilikina said. “So, I mean, for what he did, it’d be good (to play with Anthony).”