MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 24: Frank Ntilikina #11 and Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks celebrate against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on October 24, 2018 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

There’s been some ups and downs in Frank Ntilikina’s second season, but that should still come to no surprise for New York Knicks fans and the coaching staff.

It has been an interesting season for the New York Knicks to say the least. Kevin Knox’s injury was a scary sight, but the results were better than expected for anyone who saw his fall. With Knox’s injury, Coach David Fizdale has had to get creative with his rotations as a means to find the winning combination.

Another surprise came with Frank Ntilikina’s change in role as starting point guard, who has been a solid contributor with his defense and team-first mentality. But with this team-first mentality, many have encouraged a more selfish play style to become a complete player on both sides of the floor.

Any realistic fan of the Knicks or the French Prince should have known that Ntilikina will show flashes of a complete player, but lackluster possessions as well. Ntilikina, 20, still has a lot of room to improve, but also a lot of time. The Knicks will be looking to make a push for the playoffs after Kristaps Porzingis makes a complete recovery and after hopefully drawing a major free agent to the big apple.

But until then, this year will be another year for the sophomore guard to get comfortable with Fizdale’s system, culture, and the NBA itself. His aggressiveness will come, and as he continues to improve from beyond the arc, his game will continue to develop as he helps space the floor for his teammates.

The truth is, Ntilikina may never become an all-star, and may even be limited to a role as a three-and-D guard. His ceiling is high, but he’s got a long ways to go before he can reach it, even with a 7’1″ wingspan. But the most encouraging signs from the French guards game has obviously been his defense.

We all need to be patient with Ntilikina, especially since his defensive game has already been something to boast about. His court vision seems to be a positive as well, even at his young age, but it will be his shot and ball-handling that furthers his development. Both aspects have improved, so who’s to say that he can’t become a truly valuable asset to the Knicks when they are ready to contend.