Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Plenty of point guards may be available for Orlando Magic in trade market

By John Black

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 22: Jerian Grant #22 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball while guarded by Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics in the first quarter of a game at TD Garden on October 22, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 22: Jerian Grant #22 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball while guarded by Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics in the first quarter of a game at TD Garden on October 22, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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Fran Ntilikina, New York Knicks, Kyrie Irving, Boston Celtics
BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 21: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball while guarded by Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics on November 21, 2018 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Frank Ntilikina, New York Knicks

Similar to Markelle Fultz, Frank Ntilikina has struggled in his first two years as a pro. His struggles are far less documented, and more play-focused than anything.

In the 2018 season, the 20-year-old averaged a mere 5.9 points per game and 3.2 assists per game. But the New York Knicks point guard still has some massive upside. It feels like Ntilikina just has not had the opportunity to show what he can truly do as a pro in New York.

The Knicks seem to be messing around a bit with his minutes. Ntilikina has averaged 22.4 minutes per game this year but has seen games where he played 30-plus minutes as likely as he has played fewer than 15.

Standing at 6-feet-6 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, he definitely fits the mold of an ideal Jeff Weltman–John Hammond point guard. Ntilikina has defensive potential unmatched by any other young guard in the league. His size and quickness allows him to be an effective multiple-position defender.

Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic reported back in late November that the Magic had also expressed interest in trading for Ntilikina. Orlando certainly seems to be fishing for a point guard somewhere in their early trade discussions.

The Knicks may be willing to part ways with the young guard for expiring contracts so they can make a push for a superstar like Kevin Durant in next year’s free agency. But it is not clear what New York is trying to do.