Ntilikina is the best foreigner in this year’s draft class, as the 6-5 Frenchman boasts a 7-foot wingspan and an incredibly well-rounded game on both sides of the basketball. Albeit functioning in a limited role with SIG Strasbourg this season, Ntilikina has shown plenty of flashes — both there and in the U18 European Championships — to establish himself as a top 10 prospect moving into the thick of March.
Offensively, Ntilikina quietly boasts one of the higher basketball I.Q.’s in this year’s class. He uses his height to see over the defense, and makes quality reads from multiple areas on the court. His pick-and-roll operation is of the highest degree, and his shifty change of speed skills allow him to weave his way through the defense and find holes that others can’t reach.
Ntilikina has also improved his scoring in recent months, as his off-ball role as Strasbourg has allowed him to further embrace his scoring prowess — something his coaches stress to him often. One of the more prominant knocks on Ntilikina’s game has been that he doesn’t play with enough aggression, often differing to others rather than exploiting opportunities for himself. And while his savvy, well-thought-out approach allows him to do so with success, his ceiling won’t be met without the proper maturation of his scoring tools to match it.
Ntilikina made some big jumps during the aforementioned European Championships, winning tournament MVP after leading France to a gold medal — topped off by a 31-point outburst versus Lithuania in the Finals. He hit 17 of 29 threes throughout the tournament, and was forced into a lead role alongside other kids his age — something he seemingly embraced.
Previous Ranking: 8
Here’s something scouts would love to see more of. He sizes up the defender off the screen, using a few dribbles to find rhythm and burying the pull-up three. While he obviously shouldn’t be forcing shots, being able to work himself into the offense is an absolute must for a player with his skill level.
Here Ntilikina shows off his ball handling skills a bit, using a couple of nice hesitation moves to break down his defender and get into the lane. He finishes it off with a crisp no-look pass to the cutter.
Ntilikina is also an excellent defensive prospect, which helps carry his stock to the next level. His length allows him to switch on the perimeter without being outmatched, while also allowing him to excel as a the free safety of sorts when given the chance to roam. He gets into passing lanes with quick bursts, and has even put some nice chase-down blocks to his credit.
The Belgium-born stud has all the tools to be an exceptional NBA player on both sides of the ball. It’s a matter of whether or not his maximizes his innate talent, not a matter of whether or not it’s present.