NBA – 4 years later, Knicks fans lash out on Frank Ntilikina: «What a complete waste»

Par Joël Pütz | Journaliste sportif

Despite himself, Frank Ntilikina didn’t leave a good impression on New York fans. Years after his departure from the Big Apple, they turned on him while he was currently playing in the Adriatic League final.

Many French players returned to Europe a few months ago, after failing to extend their NBA careers. Overall, it was a good idea: Evan Fournier has become one of Olympiakos’s key players and may become Greek champion in a few days, while Théo Maledon has shone so brightly in the Euroleague with ASVEL that Real Madrid wants to sign him.

For his part, Frank Ntilikina certainly doesn’t regret leaving the United States either. It must be said that since his draft in 2018, the point guard has never been able to establish himself anywhere. Neither with the Hornets, where he last tried to make a name for himself, nor with the Mavericks, where he excelled during the 2022 playoffs… and even less with the Knicks, where he launched his career across the Atlantic.

Drafted in 8th position by New York, the French Prince never really had the opportunity to shine there and this continued until he finally signed with Partizan Belgrade last summer. Now he is in the Adriatic League final and Ntilikina also made headlines in his team’s loss in Game 2 against Budućnost, with 10 points in only 17 minutes of play including this splendid dunk:

Nobody:

Frank Ntilikina: I’M STILL THE FRENCHISEpic.twitter.com/Td6wmdUJcn

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) June 7, 2025

Frank Ntilikina humiliated by Knicks fans

It’s nice to see the Frenchman play like this, but that doesn’t stop New York fans from having a bitter taste in their mouths about his time with the Knicks. While certainly not helped by the internal chaos, Franky Smokes also suffered from a nasty timidity on offense and clumsy shooting. Suffice to say, the reactions to his highlight weren’t particularly positive, far from it…

@MrMetKevC: He was so bad, what a complete waste of a pick

@WalitoWorldwide: If it ain’t in NY, it don’t even count bro

@SolidPicks88: Now you see why the Euro League is soft as F.

@Kurt_coVain: Still can’t shoot I’m sure