Even if prompted, LeBron James didn’t have to make comparisons between rookies Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith, Jr. the other day. True, the latter played extremely well on the road against the Cavaliers, continuing what has been a sterling start at the one spot for the Mavericks. Meanwhile, the former has compiled stat lines that can best be deemed mediocre. On the other hand, both will presumably have long careers, so saying one is better than the other this early is premature at best.
Nonetheless, James couldn’t resist putting in his two cents’ worth, and not simply because he mentored Smith throughout a productive collegiate career. In larger measure, he made the comparison to dis former Knicks president Phil Jackson, who drafted Ntilikina just before being sacked, and who referenced him directly with a “posse” comment he found to be racist. And he certainly has the numbers on his side.
Needless to say, the Knicks rallied around Ntilikina; to a man, they praised his progress and declared him to be a perfect fit for their system. “I would not change Frank for anybody,” declared top dog Kristaps Porzingis. “Frank has done a great job for us,” noted head coach Jeff Hornacek. “We love what we got,” argued Enes Kanter. And they may well be right.
From the outside looking in, the development has sprung no surprises. James took the opportunity to rip Jackson a new one. The Knicks begged to disagree. Ntilikina took the high road. And today, fans at the Garden will make their sentiments known. Which is to contend that all is well in the National Basketball Association. The Mavericks are amused.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is the Senior Vice-President and General Manager of Basic Energy Corp.
