Ntilikina confident despite struggles
SAN FRANCISCO — Knicks rookie point guard Frank Ntilikina knows he’s not the first lottery pick to have an up-and-down first year.
“I know it’s going to take time. You see a lot of rookies go through that season where they’re not consistent and show flashes,’’ Ntilikina said. “That’s what I’m doing. I’m showing flashes. Of course I want to be more consistent.’’
On an afternoon fellow lottery pick Lonzo Ball was out with a knee injury, it should have been Ntilikina’s time to shine Sunday. Instead, Alex Caruso, a G-Leaguer on a two-way contract with the Lakers, was the one who had a career day.
It continued the enigmatic rookie season for the Frenchman, who has certainly not lost any confidence in his future. And now he gets Stephen Curry for his first crack at the league’s top point guard.
Ntilikina said even if he doesn’t nail it as a rookie, he’s sure his sophomore campaign will open eyebrows.
Ntilikina had a nice start in against the Lakers, hitting all three shots in the first half, then went scoreless in the second half. He had been scoreless in his previous two outings, prompting Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek to mention travel could be getting to the 19year-old.
“Maybe it’s a little adjustment, traveling a lot, playing that many more games than when I was over in France,’’ Ntilikina said. “It’s just getting used to it. Over time, I’ve seen a lot of NBA players that were not that good the first season and exploded the season after. I know it’s process and have to be patient and put in a lot of work and it’s going to come.
“Some players take five years, I know for me I’m not going to take that time,’’ Ntilikina added. “I’m confident where I’m going.’’
Facing Curry for the first time will be his next major test.
“It’s always different — the film shows you something, but it’s not the same thing going in real life,’’ Ntilikina said. “That type of player, you go out and try to limit him. Nowadays in this game, players are going to get something every game. The goal is to limit them and not give them what they want and what they are comfortable. It’s going to be very challenging.’’