The Knicks have surprised many people with their 7-5 start to the season. The Cavs have too with their 6-7 record. The two teams will face off against each other tomorrow night in New York.
Knicks rookie Frank Ntilikina heard on Saturday that LeBron James took a series of shots at him but as most rookies should, he shrugged the comments off and is ready to handle business against Cleveland. James was seen praising Mavs’ point guard Dennis Smith Jr. and said that the Knicks were crazy to pass up on drafting him
“I think in life people can think whatever they want,” said Ntilikina. “However, it’s not gonna affect us and me so whatever is said, whatever people think, me and the team are just focused on what we’re doing every day to improve and just to make us better.” (Via SNY)
Newly acquired teammate Enes Kanter was not pleased with James’ comments and quickly had Ntilikina‘s back.
“I don’t care who, I just cannot let anyone disrespect my family like that because when I play for an organization, I see my teammates and that organization as like a family. And I doesn’t matter if it’s LeBron or whoever it is, I cannot just let him disrespect him like that. The coaches, the GMs, the president, this organization knows what they’re doing.”
Many critics wonder if James’ comments would fuel a rivalry between Ntilikina and Smith. Ntilikina said that he’s in competition with every point guard.
“I see rivalry with all the point guards in the league,” said Smith. I see rivalry with all the teams in the league. We’re competitors and we try to get all the wins we can get. all I can say is a lot of people think what they want and it must not affect us so we just have to stay focused on what we’re doing to improve.”
Ntilikina is averaging 4.4 PPG & 5 APG for the season.
