Thunder NBA Draft prospect series: Frank Ntilikina

Apr 30, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; First of all teams compete at Grand Park Fieldhouse in the Nike EYBL (Elite Youth Basketball League). Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

Frank Ntilikina is another of the top level point guards in the talent rich 2017 NBA draft. Though it’s unlikely Sam Presti would trade up for Frank Ntilikina, he nevertheless is a prospect to keep an eye on.

A year removed from an internationally dominated 2016 draft class, 2017 offers fewer such picks though Frank Ntilikina is among two (Markkanen) who are likely to fall in the lottery portion.

Another point guard in this talent rich guard class, Ntilikia is intriguing from the standpoint of his youth, smooth skills and potentially massive ceiling.

Specifics:

Height: 6’5 ”

Weight: 170 Ibs

Wingspan: reportedly near 7′

Position: Point Guard

Age: 18 years, 10 months

Statline: 5.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.2 blocks

International: Strasbourg (freshman), in Ligue Nationale de Basket (French League or LNB)

Home Town: Ixelles, Belgium

Current rankings:

(note – rankings are taken on day of article posting and therefore may be listed at a similar rank as previously posted prospect reviews)

DraftExpress: 10th overall prospect

NBA DraftNet: 10th

Scott Howard-Cooper nba.com: 9th

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor: 13th

CBS Sports: 11th

Basketball Insiders: 10th

Sean Deveney of Sporting News: 8th

Hoops Hype: 10th

Jeremy Woo SI.com, The Crossover:9th

Skills:

Ntilikina’s fluid style, long steps and ability to surprise defenders kept drawing me back to an Antetokounmpo comparison.

With his height and lateral quickness Ntilikina has the ability to guard 3 positions with his wing span often leading to steals and blocks. The combination of his fluid style and the poise in which he plays makes him seem like he’s playing the game at a different speed than everyone else around him.

In less than a year he improved his 3-point efficiency from 26.8 percent to 46 percent. If that’s any indication of his ability to grow and improve specific areas – watch out. Furthermore, once he improves his ball handling and first step he’ll be able to add to his offense versatility.

Weaknesses:

Some scouts pointed to a lack of desire or leadership, but I’d counter that argument. When he was forced to play for the French National team at the FIBA under 18 championships he was sent to hospital for tests. Once healthy he lifted his squad to win the tournament and won MVP in the process (sure doesn’t sound like a player unwilling or incapable of leading).

That said, he’ll need to add strength and size. Moreover he’s young (still not 19) and subsequently will need to develop aspects of his game and assimilate to the NBA game.

He tends to rely on his ability to see the court and his above average defensive skills. These are excellent qualities, but his high dribble, slow first step and fundamental ball handling skills need work. Again, he’s not yet 19, so if his work ethic is strong these areas can all be improved.

Honors and awards:

Two time French League, Best Young Player, 2016/2017
FIBA Europe Under 18 Championship MVP – 2016

Pro Comparison:

Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer provided a ceiling comparison for each of his prospects. O’Connor’s list for Ntilikina is George Hill and Jeremy Lin. An odd combo for O’Connor given Hill’s defensive chops and Lin’s offense. Perhaps this speaks to the uncertainty surrounding Ntilikina due to less exposure to him.

As noted several times in this review I kept seeing visions of Antetokounmpo watching Frank Ntilikina’s film. Given he can already has a better shot it will be interesting to see how he develops.

Sleeper Pick?

More from Thunderous Intentions

Every year in my Mock Draft it seems like inevitably there is a sleeper pick. Hence, two years ago it was Kristaps Porzingas who I suggested the Lakers should draft . Last season I was higher on Juan Herangomez than most and saw the Spurs stealing Malcolm Brogdon recognizing his high character and basketball I.Q. This season I’m high on the upside of Ntilikina. Maybe it’s all the film which showcases his fluidity, defense and diverse offensive abilities. Or perhaps it is simply because he reminded me of a young Antetokounmpo (with a shot).

The fit:

Regardless, I know Sam Presti won’t be looking for a point guard project, but I’d be keeping an eye on this French dynamo, because he could be something special in years to come. Consequently, he’s ranked as high as 8th and as low as 13th Let’s put it this way, I could see the Spurs seeing this kid and making the appropriate moves to get him and develop him. Ntilikina needs to get drafted by a team who’ll work extensively with him (like the Spurs). He might not see much playing time immediately and may not make his mark in 2017, but Frank Ntilikina could very well be the sleeper in the 2017 Draft class.

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