Frank Thread 3: FIBA Frank Aftermath

[21 Hussle]

I don’t recommend knick fandom

Only the strong survive

[a-French-Fan]

^^ Your English is better than a lot of dudes on this forum

There's no doubt that Frank's minutes and role have been shaky.
If you listen to the French media though (I live in France), Frank's troubles are entirely due to the fact that the Knicks are a mess.
Some part of the blame (if we want to even call it that) has to lie on Frank though, his shooting was an absolute nightmare.
He's shown some nice new aspects to his game in the FIBA tournament, at times against good competition.
But he's shown that he can still go cold.

I really hope he gets some spin this year, I'm excited to see how he develops.
He's still got holes in his game, but he's also still young.
There's no guarantee he'll pan out, but he's so good on the defensive side that I think it's worth the growing pains to find out.

The fact is the Frank I started to really like was the Frank MVP of U18 euro. He was a kind of Mr Big Shot. Of course with Strasbourg he couldn't do the same because of the hierarchy. Then in NBA, he couldn't be the first option as a rookie, but he had to give up his altruist mentality. That is quite difficult when you had Always given everyrhing for the team.

[Clyde_Style]

To be honest, I have never been a Knicks' fan, but I felt happy went Phil Jackson drafted Frank. Maybe I would have become a Knicks' fan if Knicks wouldn't so s*** with him. Things quickly get bad when stupidly Knicks asked him to go to New York for training the day after french finals. No rest before rookie season ... great Idea. Then I had some hopes, Frank started to show his talents ... and then front office started to add point guards. After he get injuried, he played only 2 games.

Now I expect a better season for Frank.But I don't trust Fizdale and front office anymore. I hope I will be wrong.

Whatever what I wrote on Knicks with Frank, I am very happy about one thing: Knicks' fans on this forum. MSG is considered as the best basketball arena in the world because New Yorkers are seen as people who really love and know about this game. And when I see Frank is the player who has the most posts here, and that most of you have so Michel consideration for him, I understand now why New Yorkers are seen as the best fans in NBA.

PS: sorry for my english

Oui, nous sommes définitivement les meilleurs fans. Oh, et les Nets? Putain!

[GONYK]

French Knicks Pod had an interview with Frank: https://www.facebook.com/notes/french-knicks-pod/french-knicks-pod-frank-ntilikina-interview-in-paris-at-the-french-bball-federat/2403534409906420/

[French Knicks Pod] Frank Ntilikina Interview in Paris at the french bball federation bronze medal event // translate by Tom

FRENCH KNICKS POD:
Hello Frank, first question How did you experience the World Cup and what does it represent for you?

Frank:
It was an honor to represent my country and wear the French jersey in an international competition is very special for me & my family and I am really grateful.
It was a fantastic adventure. I learned a lot as a player and as a man with a great squad and always in a serious, hardworking and beautiful atmosphere.
As Coach Collet said, we had a very good spirit. The big disappointment is not to have finished what we wanted by winning the gold medal, but to go home with the bronze medal and the qualification to the Olympic Games, we must not spit on it.
We did something huge, we had a complicated tournament with very big games. A united squad was created, we showed character.
It was a very beautiful adventure. And to be finally back on the court ... It was a long time since my last game in NBA I needed real bball competition. Playing basketball, playing a World Cup, it was something huge for me.

FKP:
Second question : We have felt you raise your level during each game and during the most important games you impressed everyone, how do you explain it?

Frank:
It was just me and my basketball. I stayed on the sidelines long enough.

I questioned myself because I had to come back as a better version of myself after this very long injury and in fact even in the worst time o life you really learn something and for me it’s help me a lot to understand better the game and I know hen i did my comeback i had a clear vision of the game.

I saw couples important things when I was injured and at the end of the bench to watch my Knicks teammates. It’s important to improve all the time, everyday to be better when you are back on the court.
It brought me a lot of positive, to be honest to play with the French team. I was able to apply all my qualities and improvements of the summer during the competition.

To succeed, you must be able to adapt to every situation and that's what I did and I'm very proud of it. I got the best out of this experience which was a big challenge, in my opinion the highest level of competition in my career I've met.
The pride of the job well done, apply the systems of the coach and be clutch for my teammates, it was the challenge that I managed.
I told myself that I had to give everything for my country and for the jersey, but also for the rest of my career. It went well on the individual level and I am grateful.

FKP:
Third question : We saw you on a defensive mission on several elite points guards, these are challenges that motivate you a lot?

Frank:
Of course ! First of all, it is to bring what we can bring to the team on both sides of the court, in offense, but also in defense.
I know that I have skills and a body that allows me to annoy my opponent.
But also we had a squad that was very focused on these points.
That's what allowed us to win the games.
The challenge is to give each evening what we can give to the team.
As I said, whether offensively or defensively, I will give everything.

FKP:
Fourth question : Do you expect to reproduce what you showed during the tournament with the Knicks next season?

Frank:
Yes ! I will try to make the most of every opportunity.
Of course it's another competition with the Knicks, but my daily challenge is the same, win each game. It's up to me to be strong enough to succeed in every opportunity.

FKP:
Fifth question : You scored three huge shots against Team USA, tell us, what did you feel about that ?

Frank:
I did a lot of work on my shot skills all summer every day and I knew it was my day in the elimination games, it's either you win or you go home and my mission was not finished so I have made aggressive drives to put important lay-ups for after having the fear of my opponents.
Then, coach Collet design systems for me & asked me to shoot with confidence from downtown and twice I scored on this position with perfect swish!
Glad to bring to my teammates my clutch skills when they needed it in the end of the game!
Regarding on the side step move on Kemba's face , it was an end-of-possession shot so I knew I had to make a move to create space against Kemba and take the shot.
I took it with also confidence. When I let go, I thought I had done it very well and the confidence I had allowed me to make that shot.
The confidence given by my teammates allowed me to put this kind of shots. I was happy and I felt good and it gave me even more desire to give everything until the end of the game.

FKP:
Sixth question : All the repertoire you showed during the competition with "catch & shoot". Shooting in motion after the screen, shots coming out of the dribble, is that something you want to do with the Knicks or do you still want to expand your repertoire?

Frank:
I am a complete player who has a very good court vision, and a versatile player.
I have to keep working to reproduce that at a very high level and become the best player possible.
The next step is to transfer that to the NBA.

FKP:
Seventh question : You did not have the feeling of being restrained by the injuries and your situation in NBA?

Frank:
Not at all, I am very happy to be a Knick and I believe in the Steve Mills project.
The last two seasons, it was very clear that the goal was to play as much as possible the young players of the roster to develop them.
This year, we will surprise the entire NBA, as I did with the french team at the World Cup.
To understand me, it was just a process of adaptation. The NBA is another style, another country and a different everyday life. It's not necessarily obvious, especially when it comes to basketball in New York. For some it may take a day or two, for others longer. For me, New York is home since day one, but i needed time to give my best.
I am motivated, determined to succeed with the Knicks jersey. Being at this moment the one who wears the jersey since the longest time in the roster is a responsibility, and to deserve the respect of the Knicks fans, it will be only by the daily work with dedication every day in the training sessions to create the best systems to win games.
Work extremely hard every day, and most importantly do not talk to say nothing. Do things well to improve together to succeed with the squad like a family. no success without sacrifice.
To be leader of the team I worked very hard this summer my game to reach my goals of the season with the Knicks. If I want to achieve my personal goals in the long run, we have to go through that.

FKP:
Eighth question : You are now a bronze medalist at a World Cup at age 21, can you stand back and see what that means?

Frank:
It's crazy. We do not talk about it often because I try to switch quickly and tell myself that I have to go looking for more, but we have to take the time to realize where we are, especially for me who was injured for a very long time.
I learned to appreciate things. When I was called to join the French Team, it was big time emotions for me & my family , because that’s something strong to play for your country & wear this jersey, this is huge , especially after being hurt for a very long time.
I sent a message to my brother, because for him & me the French Team it was Tony Parker, Evan Fournier, Nicolas Batum, Thierry Henry, Zinedine Zidane, it is very fortunate to have the chance also to live this.
When I was young the Team of France is something that always made me dream. When I learned that I was called the first time just to go for an internship in Team France, it was a madness.
But soon after I lock myself in, I tell myself that I have to go to work to make a good competition, but I have people around me, including one of my best friends, who tell me to take the time to appreciate and that is not given to everyone to play a World Cup at 21 years old.
When you are injured during a very long time from the game you love, you learn to appreciate things and I am grateful.
While we all wanted the gold medal, it will allow us to progress for the next few years. I know that I will enjoy this adventure and that it will give me even more desire for the years to come.
It's not enough for me, but yes, it means something.

FKP:
Ninth question : It's complicated in a career to say you're proud of what you've done and then go back to work?

Frank:
After that, I have the habit of switching past emotions too much and always moving towards a new objective goal without ever looking back, not appreciating enough, but you have to know how to do it, otherwise you do not realize the value of things. And it's very important

FKP:
Tenth question : The next step after this World Cup is the Olympic Games in Tokyo next year and the ultimate dream in Paris in 2024 Olympic Games hopefully, what does it mean for you especially with the expectations around the French basketball team that is more publicized than the rest of the time?

Frank:
It's a lot of excitement, an honor, a huge motivation.
It was good to go home, we thought we were coming out of a month of competition in China, but what could be a month of competition in France! It would be huge. We are qualified for the Olympics, it is a great reward for our squad , it is strong to represent France during this competition it would be for me still an honor.

FKP:
Eleventh question : That motivates you even more with the Knicks this bronze medal?

Frank:
Of course. When you taste victory, it is a feeling that transcends you, great determination to have more.
We did not win enough games last year, so this year we must all come back with something stronger in us and above all be better, it makes me want to work even more to bring this winning feelings to New York. The fans deserve it.

FKP:
Last question : The Knicks congratulated you on the World Cup?

Frank:
Yes of course ! "

[French Knicks Pod]
Frank Ntilikina Interview in Paris
at the french bball federation bronze medal event
// translate by Tom
September 20th , 2019

[evevale]

If Frank plays half the minutes of Kadeem this season I'll be legit shocked.

The only place Kadeem will play is Westchester and even that is not guaranteed

Kadeem was abysmal in SL and Frank was good in FIBA so you've got it backwards.

IF Frank gets minutes is the question, but Kadeem is not on the roster and Frank still is.

You're quoting me like I think Kadeem is a good player, lol. I was using his name as a point that our FO has little to no faith in him and has and will likely continue to put scrubs in front of him on the depth chart. Doesn't have to be Kadeem.

[Clyde_Style]

If Frank plays half the minutes of Kadeem this season I'll be legit shocked.

The only place Kadeem will play is Westchester and even that is not guaranteed

Kadeem was abysmal in SL and Frank was good in FIBA so you've got it backwards.

IF Frank gets minutes is the question, but Kadeem is not on the roster and Frank still is.

You're quoting me like I think Kadeem is a good player, lol. I was using his name as a point that our FO has little to no faith in him and has and will likely continue to put scrubs in front of him on the depth chart. Doesn't have to be Kadeem.

Not sure what you'd want me to say then, because you posted as if Kadeem will be on the roster and he isn't. If you meant it more generally in terms of overall guard depth, that's fine, but you said Kadeem and that is what I was replying to.

[a-French-Fan]

To be honest, I have never been a Knicks' fan, but I felt happy went Phil Jackson drafted Frank. Maybe I would have become a Knicks' fan if Knicks wouldn't so s*** with him. Things quickly get bad when stupidly Knicks asked him to go to New York for training the day after french finals. No rest before rookie season ... great Idea. Then I had some hopes, Frank started to show his talents ... and then front office started to add point guards. After he get injuried, he played only 2 games.

Now I expect a better season for Frank.But I don't trust Fizdale and front office anymore. I hope I will be wrong.

Whatever what I wrote on Knicks with Frank, I am very happy about one thing: Knicks' fans on this forum. MSG is considered as the best basketball arena in the world because New Yorkers are seen as people who really love and know about this game. And when I see Frank is the player who has the most posts here, and that most of you have so Michel consideration for him, I understand now why New Yorkers are seen as the best fans in NBA.

PS: sorry for my english

Oui, nous sommes définitivement les meilleurs fans. Oh, et les Nets? Putain!

Les Nets? Ils visent des matchs avec plus de 400 points par match pour faire plaisir aux fans chinois !
J'imagine bien des scores du style 200-180 sans prolongation d'ici quelques années malheureusement ...

PS: rassure-moi, il n'y a pas que des francophones sur les threads concernant Frank?

[eagle54]

Oui, nous sommes définitivement les meilleurs fans. Oh, et les Nets? Putain!

Les Nets? Ils visent des matchs avec plus de 400 points par match pour faire plaisir aux fans chinois !
J'imagine bien des scores du style 200-180 sans prolongation d'ici quelques années malheureusement ...

PS: rassure-moi, il n'y a pas que des francophones sur les threads concernant Frank?

Non je te rassure En revanche, il me semble que Clyde n'est pas véritablement francophone, il parle juste quelques mots. ENfin je crois.

[Fat Kat]

Read on Twitter

By our very own Tommy Dee

[Ray Williams]

Frank is Pepe and the Knicks are the cat.

Watch on YouTube

Oui, nous sommes définitivement les meilleurs fans. Oh, et les Nets? Putain!

Les Nets? Ils visent des matchs avec plus de 400 points par match pour faire plaisir aux fans chinois !
J'imagine bien des scores du style 200-180 sans prolongation d'ici quelques années malheureusement ...

PS: rassure-moi, il n'y a pas que des francophones sur les threads concernant Frank?

Non je te rassure En revanche, il me semble que Clyde n'est pas véritablement francophone, il parle juste quelques mots. ENfin je crois.

[/quote]

[Clyde_Style]

Oui, nous sommes définitivement les meilleurs fans. Oh, et les Nets? Putain!

Les Nets? Ils visent des matchs avec plus de 400 points par match pour faire plaisir aux fans chinois !
J'imagine bien des scores du style 200-180 sans prolongation d'ici quelques années malheureusement ...

PS: rassure-moi, il n'y a pas que des francophones sur les threads concernant Frank?

Non je te rassure En revanche, il me semble que Clyde n'est pas véritablement francophone, il parle juste quelques mots. ENfin je crois.

C'est vrai. Je suis un amateur francophone

[Fat Kat]

Read on Twitter

Look at those guns.

[GONYK]

[Fat Kat]

Read on Twitter

Check out the dance moves.

[evevale]

The only place Kadeem will play is Westchester and even that is not guaranteed

Kadeem was abysmal in SL and Frank was good in FIBA so you've got it backwards.

IF Frank gets minutes is the question, but Kadeem is not on the roster and Frank still is.

You're quoting me like I think Kadeem is a good player, lol. I was using his name as a point that our FO has little to no faith in him and has and will likely continue to put scrubs in front of him on the depth chart. Doesn't have to be Kadeem.

Not sure what you'd want me to say then, because you posted as if Kadeem will be on the roster and he isn't. If you meant it more generally in terms of overall guard depth, that's fine, but you said Kadeem and that is what I was replying to.

I'm not flaming you just thought it was funny that you misunderstood and took Kadeem Allen's name seriously. Hard for people to know when no-namers like me are trying to be sarcastic.

[Clyde_Style]

You're quoting me like I think Kadeem is a good player, lol. I was using his name as a point that our FO has little to no faith in him and has and will likely continue to put scrubs in front of him on the depth chart. Doesn't have to be Kadeem.

Not sure what you'd want me to say then, because you posted as if Kadeem will be on the roster and he isn't. If you meant it more generally in terms of overall guard depth, that's fine, but you said Kadeem and that is what I was replying to.

I'm not flaming you just thought it was funny that you misunderstood and took Kadeem Allen's name seriously. Hard for people to know when no-namers like me are trying to be sarcastic.

It's OK. I was just telling you matter of factly that I took you literally, so there's no need for either of us to apologize. I was never upset so no worries

[Clyde_Style]

Read on Twitter

Look at those guns.

Frank is coming to get his candy

[Zenzibar]

Read on Twitter

Look at those guns.

Frank is coming to get his candy

Yooooo!!

Wit you.
If Frank is not getting more minutes than RJ and Payton or DSJ by year's end, I'd be shocked.

[thebuzzardman]

Read on Twitter

Look at those guns.

Frank is coming to get his candy

Frank going to wind up a Ken Bannister sized PG

[Clyde_Style]

Read on Twitter

Look at those guns.

Frank is coming to get his candy

Frank going to wind up a Ken Bannister sized PG

He's going to be like Bigfoot, Keith Richards, Dennis Johnson, The Rock and Marcel Marceau all wrapped up in a giant cabbage leaf