FRANK: START ME UP!
Ntilikina set a goal of being a starter “in the future,” he said Friday, and that time may come as soon as next week when the Knicks plan to adjust the rotation to emphasize their youth.
That likely means the Jarrett Jack era is over, but Ntilikina is one of three young point guards — along with Emmanuel Mudiay and Trey Burke — who could take over.
“If it’s going to be now for me, then why not?” Ntilikina said. “I’m taking care of being ready for the moment.”
The 19-year-old, who played in Friday’s Rising Stars Challenge, is the franchise’s only representative at All-Star weekend because Kristaps Porzingis tore his ACL. But his unimpressive averages (5.2 points and 3.2 assists on 35 percent shooting) are indicative of a post-December slump.
Ntilikina said he is overthinking on offense and will focus on that side of the ball after the All-Star break. By then, he may even be starting.
“I would say maybe focus more on my offensive side of the ball. Shooting, being more aggressive,” he said. “Just enjoy and stop thinking and have fun on that court.
“I want to do great things and sometimes I’m not playing naturally and not letting my instincts play on that court. But it might come with time, just getting more comfortable on that court. Just letting my instincts play and my skill take over.”
With Ntilikina’s struggles in January and February — which the Knicks have attributed to hitting a rookie wall — he started playing more off the ball alongside other point guards.
It’s similar to what he balanced as a pro in France. “It’s an adjustment,” he said. “Of course, it will take time. I think I’m already getting better at it.”