Frankly, PG pretty fragile

Frank Ntilikina’s very brief NBA career has been defined by small injuries.

The rookie point guard will miss Friday’s preseason contest against the Wizards because of a right knee bruise, the same ailment that kept him out of the entirety of Summer League.

The latest occurred during Wednesday’s loss to the Nets, when Ntilikina collided with teammate Enes Kanter in the first quarter. He continued playing and finished with five points in 18 minutes, but was held out of Thursday’s practice and did not travel with the team to Washington.

He characterized the rest as cautionary rather than necessary.

“I’m always disappointed to miss a game but I have to do what I can to be ready for this long season,” Ntilikina said. “I’m going to stay here and get treatment and hopefully I’ll be back for the next game.”

Since getting drafted eighth overall by Phil Jackson, Ntilikina stated that building strength is a priority as he adjusts from Europe to the NBA. The 19-year-old is about 6-foot-5 and 190 pounds, with plenty of room to fill out.

If he can stay on the court, the Knicks are bullish about Ntilikina’s potential. But he remains a mystery to fans. In his final game with a pro team in France, Ntilikina suffered a knee injury and, as a result, sat out of Summer League. He went through training camp unscathed until a sore groin kept him out of practice Monday, a day before Ntilikina hurt his knee against the Nets.

Health has taken a priority over experience.

“They told me I was OK, I was OK and that was just a coincidence that happened during the game,” Ntilikina said. “So we’re going to treat it and hopefully I’ll be back (for Sunday’s preseason game at Brooklyn).

Coach Jeff Hornacek indicated Ntilikina’s knee injury in June was more serious.

“It was a collision (this time),” Hornacek said. “From summer it was more wear. He wasn’t in line exactly right. I don’t think it’s related at all.”