TO THE POINT
Szczerbiak: Knicks should grab Ntilikina
If guards Dennis Smith Jr., Malik Monk, Donovan Mitchell and Frank Ntilikina are on the board when the Knicks’ turn comes at No. 8 on Thursday, what would Wally Szczerbiak do? Wally would go French. Szczerbiak, the CBS college basketball analyst/MSG Network broadcaster, told The Post it’s a close call, but he’d nab the French league point guard Ntilikina because of a special upside he doesn’t see as clearly in the others.
In fact, Szczerbiak compared the possibilities for Ntilikina, who is 6foot-5 with a 7-foot wingspan, to “Greek Freak’’ point forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“I would lean toward Frank because I’ve watched Monk a lot — explosive shooter and scorer, but I think Frank might have a serious upside — that’s what I’m hearing,’’ he said. “They hit the jackpot with a guy like [Kristaps] Porzingis, getting him at four [in 2015]. He’s got a lot of ceiling to grow and really be a transcendent player. If you can get another guy like that in Frank on the perimeter, you can be well on your way. Those other guys are options, but Frank — you don’t want to miss out on that one. You don’t want to get that one wrong.’’
Ntilikina, 18, hasn’t arrived in New York yet because he is set to play Game 4 of the best-of-five French league final Monday with his Strasbourg club down 2-1.
“I haven’t seen him as much as the other guys, but I know the Knicks have really been on his scouting trail all season long and taking a real close look,’’ said Szczerbiak, who will appear on a draft show for CBS Sports Network on Tuesday and an MSG Network program Wednesday. “I think at eight, that’s a big-time option for the Knicks. It’s his ballpark with those measurable talents and skills he has. That’s a guy if he does pan out, can be really, really good. You look at Antetokounmpo and what he’s become — as the 15th pick in the draft after filling out his body with the length he has.
“The Knicks roster has an international flavor — Porzingis, [Willy] Hernangomez. Those guys are seasoned pros, playing against men, so when they come over, they’re ready. Size and length, the kid has a lot of athletic tools. You don’t want to miss on a guy like that with the potential he can have.’’
While Ntilikina fights for a title, Mitchell, the 6t-3 Louisville combo guard who hails from Elmsford, will interview and work out with the Knicks on Monday and Tuesday in Tarrytown, according to sources.
Since the NBA Draft Combine last month, Mitchell’s stock has risen and the Knicks have considered him at No. 8 as they look to upgrade their defense. Szczerbiak believes Louisville was tailored to feeding its big men and Mitchell didn’t always get on track. But he thinks he’s a Knicks fit because the triangle doesn’t need a “pure point guard.’’
“He couldn’t always get into rhythm but he’s very gifted athletically, strong, powerful, explosive guard,’’ Szczerbiak said. “He shot the 3, but was a little inconsistent. Defensively, he’s still good and so well coached because of Rick Pitino. That’s what he does — gets all the guys to really defend. A lot of raw talent there — which is why he’s now projected into the lottery.’’
The Smith Jr. conundrum — great talent, numbers but played for an awful North Carolina State club — has Szczerbiak mixed.
“Very, very athletic,’’ Szczerbiak said. “A top-five draft prospect the second he set foot in college basketball, then he couldn’t help his team win a game. That’s a little bit concerning. He can put up numbers, playing in a tough league, but he’s got to mature and make those little winning plays.’’