Three players the Phoenix Suns should target before the trade deadline
By Ian Milliman
Frank Ntilikina
6’4” Guard, NY Knicks (21 years old)
Stats: 5.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, 3 assists (21 minutes per game)
It is clear the Phoenix Suns need a backup point guard. While the carousel of current options have played well in certain stretches, no one has seized the role for themselves. Usually, when the notion of trading for a backup point guard comes up, it has revolved around a veteran, but what about someone younger?
Frank Ntilikina came into the league with a lot of hype. He hasn’t lived up to that hype, but he’s beloved in New York and shows flashes from time to time of what made so high on so many draft boards.
At 6’4″, he boasts a 7’1” wingspan and causes a lot of problems on the perimeter. As an offensive weapon, he’s limited, shooting only 31% from deep. But he’s a pass first point guard who looks to make the right play and is improving. Maybe a couple of years under Ricky Rubio as a mentor will do him some good.
And at 21 years of age with only one year at $6 million left on his deal, Ntilikina is worth the risk.