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2017 NBA Draft: Top point guard prospects for the Chicago Bulls

By Carlos Nazario

Dec 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) calls a play against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Nevada defeated Washington, 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) calls a play against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Nevada defeated Washington, 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Frank Ntilikina, France (6-foot-5, 170 pounds)

One of the reasons the NBA is so popular is because of its international flavor. The influx of international players during the past two decades made the game a global flair.

Ntilikina is the latest one to come abroad and try his hand at the NBA.

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While the Bulls like to draft seasoned players, they need to acknowledge that this is a young league. Some of the best players coming into the league are now teenagers. Vice President John Paxson needs to get with the times and look at the younger players. In fact, I think head coach Fred Hoiberg‘s success would be greater if he had younger players, some he could mold into NBA players. Also, let’s not forget that Paxson keeps talking about getting younger.

Unlike Mason, Ntilikina has the length teams prefer in point guards. He also has long arms, which makes him even tougher to guard and harder to get away from him. He is still just 18 years old, so his body will continue to fill in.

Shooting was a big problem with the Bulls in 2016, and Ntilikina helps there. He played in FIBA’s U18 European Championship. He was so sick early on that he had to get blood tests to make sure he was okay. Once he got over his sickness, he took over the tournament. In the first three games he played while ill, he averaged just 7.3 points per game. Once he recovered, in the next three games, he averaged 22.7 points, 6.7 assists, 3.2 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. He shot 42.4 percent from 2-point range and an amazing 58.6 from 3-point range.

Fran Fraschilla of ESPN noted that Ntilikina had the look of an NBA guard.

"He can make decisions well. He shoots it well. He’s athletic. He could be a good defender. And you’re also looking at a kid who’s still 18 years old. His long-term potential as an NBA player is very good. I watched him last summer at the Jordan Gym in New York City, and he made 27 out of 30 NBA 3s… He doesn’t have the polish of a Fultz or Ball or the speed and athleticism or raw athleticism of Fox or Smith, but he has the look and feel of an NBA guard when he grows up."

Of course, being so young, Ntilikina needs to build up strength. He has difficulty going up in traffic and finishing. With age and a good conditioning program, he should have no problem bulking up a little and gaining good strength.

Ntilikina could be a top-ten pick or end up just outside of it. If the Bulls do get Sacramento’s pick, he could be a good long-term answer for the Bulls at point guard.

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