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OKC Thunder: 2 second chance free agents to consider pursuing

By Mark Nilon

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 02: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks in action against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden on March 02, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. New York Knicks defeated the Houston Rockets 125-123. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 02: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks in action against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden on March 02, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. New York Knicks defeated the Houston Rockets 125-123. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
OKC Thunder Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

OKC Thunder second chance target No. 2) Frank Ntilikina

Dennis Smith Jr. went ninth overall in the 2017 NBA Draft because Frank Ntilikina was surprisingly taken eighth by the New York Knicks.

Unfortunately, seemingly right upon his arrival, the French-born point guard was met with an unbelievable amount of pressure to succeed, what with the fact that he was taken over several other top-billed prospects (perhaps the most notable being Donovan Mitchell) and was heading to the biggest market in the NBA at just 19-years-old.

Four years into his career, it’s evident that Ntilikina has failed to live up to his draft status. That said, this is not to insinuate that one should believe he’s undeserving of being on a team’s roster and within a rotation.

One could actually argue that the 22-year-old could even be an ideal target for this OKC Thunder team, due to his lanky frame and defense-first mindset, both attributes are known to be of high priority to Sam Presti.

An unbelievably versatile player, Ntilikina obviously has the skillset to serve in the backcourt as a point guard, his natural position. However, his size of 6-6 with a 7-1 wingspan allows him to slide down within the rotation to either the two and, at times, even down to the three.

A tremendous perimeter defender with a surprisingly much-improved 3-point stroke (converted on 48 percent of his attempts from deep this year), the guard could be viewed as a cheap young add-on to this OKC Thunder team that is looking to mold itself around length, hustle, and positionless basketball.

At the right price, Frank Ntilikina could certainly prove to be a solid free agent target.

Next. “Pass or Pursue” on 2 recently proposed Al Horford trades. dark

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