fishmike wrote:HofstraBBall wrote:fishmike wrote:HofstraBBall wrote:Funny its impossible to predict someones potential but easy to defend a pick that was based more on speculation and probable fit to an antiquated syatem. Your comparing Randle? Was he considered #1 in his draft class, at any time in his life?Exavtly what in DSjr. draft workouts, documented history since a kid, athletic ability give anyone the inclination that Frank was a better prospect? Specially if you were watching Franks games in the French league. The only respectable objection would have been a concern for his knee. Fair enough. I would accept that. But we both know it was more about the Triangle. But let's ignore that and just keep downplaying his play. Then..if he turns out to be a star, just claim it was all luck of the draw.
Say what you want Fish, regardless of the outcome, this was a short sighted pick. Another affect of Phil. But your right, we have to wait and see. Just like we had to wair to see whether or not the Triangle would last. It will be interesting, as we both claim to know a little bit about basketball. I hope you are right. I will be the first to admit it.
Do you not realize how dumb it sounds to call picking this guy "short sighted" before you have seen him play an NBA game?On one hand you say we whiffed, then you say we have to wait and see. Which one?
Exavtly what in DSjr. draft workouts, documented history since a kid, athletic ability give anyone the inclination that Frank was a better prospect?
How about size? How about defense? How about experience? At 18 Ntilinkina has proven he can play winning basketball vs. pro grown men. Dennis Smith put up good number on a team that couldnt win NCAA games. Smith has one knee injury under his belt. A LOT of people have also voiced concerns over what Smith brings between the ears. This is from his draftexpress:
From a personality standpoint, Smith is best surrounded by accomplished veterans and a coach that he respects. He was detached at N.C. State, and wasn't held accountable on the defensive end. His season in Raleigh served as merely a pit stop to the NBA, and the lack of camaraderie on that Wolfpack team was apparent. Although a team like the Knicks could sorely use his shot creation, his less than stellar defensive habits and ball-dominant style would likely continue to worsen for an organization that is lacking veteran leadership and stability on the coaching staff and front office. For Smith's sake, like Monk, he'd be much better off landing in a place like Dallas, which has strong ownership, an accomplished head coach in Carlisle, and veterans like Dirk Nowitzki and Wesley Matthews to learn from. If Smith lands in the wrong spot, his NBA career could look a lot like that lone season at N.C. State -- big statistical games in lopsided losses, but with a strong infrastructure in place, his talent could very well be maximized, turning into that top five caliber prospect we saw at the high school level. - Source: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Dennis-Smith-76448/ ©DraftExpress
So yea... I wont give you an ounce of criticism for wanted to draft Smith first. Fine. I would have been fine with him as a prospect. Summer league doesnt not equate to any measure of success in the NBA. Just ask Dunn from Minnesota or Randle last year with the Knicks. Summer league is like OTAs for football. It just a chance for coaches to work with players.
"Short sighted" is appropriate, not dumb, when making a pick based on a system that would have been gone in 2 years. Now 2 weeks ago. But you keep ignoring that. And btw, an earlier post also suggested Dunn as a good comparison. May be, if you leave out that he had a major injury in his rookie season, therefore the drop in expectation. And are you suggesting Frank's play in the French league (whuxh i watched) is not an indication of his ability but the summer league would have been?
again... the bold. Your whole premise is based on an assumption. Knick only took Frank because he fits the system? He's 18. He was drafted because he's a 6'5 PG with a 7'0 wingspan who hits 3s and guards 3 positions and runs like a deer. I thought those were the reasons the Knicks picked him and I dont see taking someone who on the downside is going to be a good 3&D player with skills as short sighted. As far as upside? How about a taller Gary Payton? Rondo with a jumper? I dont know... he's pretty unique. Dennis Smith is not unique. He's shown to be a REALLY good offensive player. That is ALL he's shown! He's not a big player and if he cant guard at a high level (hasnt shown) or elevate the play of guys around him (hasnt shown) then he's already way short of any of your hopes for him
And you haven't even gotten into his work ethic. He was the youngest player in the league in France. Yet on his team was the first player in the gym and last to leave.
"It was kind of a funny thing. We'd walk in the locker room to get ready to practice and you'd hear someone working. We'd already know who it was before we got on the court," said A.J. Slaughter, Ntilikina's teammate on SIG Strasbourg of the LNB Pro A, France's top men's professional league."We'd say, 'Man, that's Frank.'"
The day of the draft he flew to America, worked out in Melo's gym hours before the draft. Got drafted then flew back to France to play the game championship game.
The Knicks scouted him all year. These are the type of things that probably made them fall in love with the kid over just basing it on some games in France. Acts like a pro, crazy work ethic and love for the game, puts the team first, to go with amazing measurable's. Mistake free ball, jump shot, defense.
There is a lot more depth to this prospect then just a triangle fit.
https://vote.nba.com/en Vote for your Knicks.
7/14/2017 5:27 PM