New York Knicks first-round pick Frank Ntilikina is fitting in nicely already.

Knicks fans have a small sense of hope now, as dumpster fire president Phil Jackson is no longer holding the franchise hostage. Did anyone honestly believe he could make things this awful? No idea, but they’re not out of the Jackson woods quite yet.

The latest installation of Knicks luck was reported yesterday by Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, as Frank Ntilikina bruised his knee and needed it wrapped up. That was in his first practice with the team. His first practice. As a Cleveland Browns fan, I can relate to this sort of thing. Myles Garrett is making me shake my head already.

Hopefully, the Knicks can make this into another Kristaps Porzingis situation, but that’s unlikely.

Nobody thought initially that the Zinger would be quite the stud he is now when they drafted him fourth overall, but it’s worked out better than anyone could have ever expected. He’s an incredible two-way player that they had to have scouted well internationally. That said, Ntilikina has a long way to go to even be a viable starting point guard in the Association. Don’t expect a splash impact from him at all in his first NBA contract.

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Frank Ntilikina of France is introduced by NBA commissioner Adam Silver as the number eight overall pick to the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The 18-year-old could eventually be a great perimeter defender. He’s 6-5 with a 7-foot wingspan, so the potential is there for him to be a stopper. However, who really knows what’s to come with the fit. The Knicks have so many holes in their roster, and Ntilikina is not close to a finished product and is not going to be for a while.

I understand that this youngster has ideal size, and is remarkably versatile on the defensive end of the floor. However, this kind of pick (which is already not looking great after one practice) is a curious one.

Would any halfway-decent player want to play for a team that is trying to get guys that will make an impact in 2023? For now, Ntilikina ought to get in the weight room. I hope this kid gets healthy soon anyhow because Knicks fans have suffered enough.

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