Former Knicks Lottery Pick Signs With Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets have brought in some depth for their backcourt, agreeing to terms with free agent point guard, and former New York Knicks first-round pick Frank Ntilikina.

Frank Ntilikina is heading to the Hornets on a 1-year deal, per @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/T7AqYXx76x

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 4, 2023

It's a one-year deal for Ntilikina, according to NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski. There are reports that the contract is non-guaranteed. 

The Hornets had been trying to fill the void left with the departure of Dennis Smith Jr. to Brooklyn. GM Mitch Kupchak had been looking for another veteran guard, and, for now at least, Ntilikina is it.

The 25-year-old Belgian-born point guard was the No. 8 overall pick by New York in the 2017 NBA Draft, and spent the first four seasons of his career in the Big Apple. He never really broke out in a way befitting of a lottery selection, averaging just 5.5 points and 2.7 assists in about 20 minutes per game over that time with the Knicks. 

From there, he spent the last two seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, where he was even less of a factor, and last year averaged just 2.9 points in 13 minutes per game in Big D.

Ironically, Ntilikina's career night came against the Hornets, way back in 2018.

The Hornets didn’t forget. Signed Frank today. https://t.co/Ev6Wvk0Ofm

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) August 4, 2023

Have they been waiting five years to get their hands on the former lottery pick? For now, he'll slot in behind LaMelo Ball and possibly even Terry Rozier on the point guard depth chart in Charlotte. But perhaps the Bugs can unlock that potential he once had.  

Photo: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports