David Fizdale gives update on Frank Ntilikina’s playing time

Frank Ntilikina will continue to ride the pine

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New York Knicks’ second-year guard Frank Ntilikina had a chance earlier the season to secure his spot as the team’s starting point guard. But he has been unable to do so with with both Trey Burke and Emmanuel Mudiay outplaying him.

Mudiay has been the Knicks’ best point guard out of the three of them, which is why he’s held the job for the majority of the season. Right now, I can’t see a reason for him to not start.

Knicks’ head coach David Fizdale has made it clear that Ntilikina will continue to come off the bench for now.

David Fizdale says the plan for the second half of the season — at least for now — is to keep Ntilikina as the backup point guard behind Emmanuel Mudiay.

— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) January 21, 2019

This is the best move. I understand that Ntilikina’s confidence is shaken, but he’s a pro basketball player that has to deal with tough situations like being listed as DNP for several games and not starting.

Just become Ntilikina was a top-10 draft pick doesn’t mean he should be starting automatically. He has to earn that right.

Yes, Ntilikina is only 20 years-old, but he’s also in the NBA and needs to toughen up mentally if he wants to make it. The big test for him right now is to overcome the fact that he’s not starting and continue to get better and prove that he should be starting because right now he doesn’t deserve that opportunity.

I know Ntilikina is a great defender, but he wasn’t drafted for only his defense. There are way too many games where he only connects on one of eight shots.