Frank Ntilikina Might Not Be There For Dallas

Frank Ntilikina is the international mystery of the 2017 NBA Draft and has commonly been linked to the Dallas Mavericks. But will he make it to Dallas?

Ever since the first mock drafts started hitting the internet from everyone (literally, everyone), the Dallas Mavericks have been linked to the french point guard, Frank Ntilikina.

Which is smart and natural.

The Mavericks are looking for their next franchise caliber point guard of the future and are well-known for their extensive recruiting in the international realm. What better of a pairing than the highest ranked international, which happens to be a point guard?

But there is a chance that the 18-year-old guard from France doesn’t make it to Dallas at nine.

We can go ahead and cross Boston and Los Angeles off the list for drafting Ntilikina. Fultz and Ball are the presumed favorites while Ntilikina simply isn’t on their level.

For myself, Philadelphia could be a dark horse in the Ntilikina discussion.

Word out of Philly is that Ben Simmons is locked into running the point next year. Not just the ball in his hands like LeBron at times, but rather the full on point guard duties. With the current roster constructed, you assume Simmons, Embiid and Saric are all penciled in as starters.

The need for outside shooting will be key for that lineup and Ntilikina would provide just that.

Many people, including myself, have Malik Monk penciled into three for Philadelphia, but what if they wanted a more natural point guard with a defensive frame that can hit the outside shot? What if they are sold on his potential?

I don’t believe he goes this high, but it wouldn’t completely shock me if he did.

Phoenix and Orlando are two logical spots for small forwards such as Tatum or Jackson. De’Aaron Fox could get a look at either of these teams also.

Sacramento, at pick number five, could give Ntilikina a look also. I don’t see them passing on Fox, Tatum, or Jackson, but hey, it’s the Kings. You know never know what they could do on draft night.

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Minnesota does need more outside shooting on their roster, but I see them going with a Markkanen or Isaac type with their pick if they keep it. I am still in the camp that believes Minny will shop their pick on draft night.

New York is where I had Ntilikina landing in my first mock draft on The Smoking Cuban.

If New York wants to go the point guard route and runs the triangle, Ntilikina gives them the best option out of the three second tier point guards. He wouldn’t have to have the ball in his hands and can hit the outside shot at an efficient rate.

Plus, Phil Jackson has shown his willingness to swing for the fences on international talent.

After New York at eight, then it’s Dallas’ pick.

Whether you want Ntilikina or not in Dallas, he is the overwhelmingly popular pick among mock drafts. But I’m not completely sold on the fact that he makes it to Dallas.

Next: 2017 NBA Lottery Mock Draft 2.0

New York is my favorite to land Ntilikina while Sacramento and Philadelphia are my dark horses for the kid. Either way, it’s not a lock that he is on the board come Dallas’ pick at nine.