Grits n Gravy wrote:I know very little of both of their games but both are physically very similar - are big 6'5/6'6, long and pretty athletic guards(Frank does seem more athletic) though ones projected as a top 10 pick while the other is a second rounder.
I can only speak about Ntilikina but there are some things about Frank that stand out besides his length. Well, length must be mentioned explicitly when talking about Ntilikina because he has crazy long arms - he's not just long, he's very long.
So, when talking about Frank's potential we're talking about the full package.
1) Defense. Ntilikina is extremely disruptive on defense both man-to-man and in the lanes (although he could improve in this regard). Down the road he's going to be able to check 1's, 2's and most 3's. His defensive versatility combined with the tools (and mindset) to be elite in each task assigned to him makes him so intriguing on that end.
2) Shooting/Off-ball play. Ntilikina has shown that he can play off the ball in a reduced role as well as a primary ballhandler in the FIBA U18 tournament. In both roles he's shown good signs as a shooter. He can not only pull up as the ballhandler, he's also a capable catch-and-shoot player who - and this can't be understated - really understands to get into the spots where he can catch and shoot with off-ball movement. He's not someone who runs through screens á la Redick, Korver, Thompson etc. but he moves smartly.
3) PnR-potential. Arguably the most understated aspect of his game. He's really a cerebral playmaker in the PnR who plays under control and finds the rolling bigs, shooters at the perimeter or pulls up himself. Not a great game manager but he should definitely be able to run the PnR at the next level and that's very valuable in today's NBA.
Of course he has to work on a lot of things. He needs to tighten up his handles and he must work on finishing around the rim if he wants to be a PG or 15+PPG scorer in the NBA. Without that he can't break down defenses and will struggle to get to the rim and/or get good looks there. He's quick but doesn't have an overwhelming first step. His shooting ability will help him to find room for penetration but right now he can't exploit it. Also his motor could be higher despite him being a good defender. He plays on both ends in that he'll do what's asked of him consistently but he often doesn't find the next gear great players usually display frequently during games.
Ntilikina should be at the very least a good 3&D player at the wing with smart playmaking and good but not elite shooting - that's a great baseline. Considering his age and potential in all areas his ceiling is obviously higher. Could be great as one of two primary playmakers on the floor and a high-level combo guard on both ends of the floor.
