Even with an endorsement from Dennis Smith Jr., Frank Ntilikina’s point-guard future — and present — has never been more muddled.

Mysteriously, Knicks coach David Fizdale continues to shrug off Ntilikina’s extended absence, and it is unlikely he will return to practice Friday as he forever rehabs from a sore groin.

“I don’t think they’re ready to unleash him yet,” Fizdale said.

Fizdale has expressed no sense of urgency to get Ntilikina back on the court, though Smith has.

“He need to hurry up,” Smith told The Post. “He need to hurry up and get back.”

Perhaps Ntilikina’s status as a future Knicks point guard was shattered Wednesday in Phoenix. Jason Kidd was summoned for the morning shootaround at Talking Stick Resort Arena and staged a 20-minute summit with Smith and fellow point guard Emmanuel Mudiay.

Ntilikina stood only 15 yards away — an afterthought. He was said to be too busy rehabbing. Ntilikina only exchanged greetings with Kidd. The incident was another indicator Fizdale views Ntilikina as an off-the-ball wing player.

According to a source, Knicks brass will explore their options on draft night with Ntilikina. Obviously, Ntilikina is available in any Anthony Davis package, but if the Knicks can acquire an extra first-round pick for him, they would consider it.

“The Knicks will be active on draft night,” one NBA source told The Post.

Some NBA sources believe Ntilikina has not been given a fair shake at point guard.

“Don’t they have to see what they have first?” one NBA source said. “If he turns into a bust as a lottery pick, fine. But they do not know that yet.”

That’s why the season’s remainder is vital for the 20-year-old Frenchman. Ntilikina has missed the last 17 contests, his last game coming Jan. 27 against Miami. It’s been nearly six weeks. Fizdale initially estimated, “one to two weeks.”

Is it a coincidence the Knicks’ 2017 lottery pick still has not played alongside Smith, who is being groomed as the point guard of the future since arriving in the Jan. 31 blockbuster?

“My goal is to come back 100 percent,” Ntilikina told The Post following the loss in Phoenix on Wednesday. “I want that as soon as possible. I want to be helping the team. Of course, though, I have to be 100 percent.”

The Knicks (13-52) host Sacramento on Saturday, then go back on the road for a three-game trip beginning Sunday in Minnesota. Because of the limited practice schedule, there’s a chance Ntilikina will miss that trip, too. That means when he comes back, he may have just a dozen games left to show whether he is the right fit with Smith.

Fizdale has indicated when the 6-foot-6 Ntilikina returns, he mostly will play wing, even mentioning power forward. The Knicks are putting it all in Smith’s hands and still analyzing if they can re-sign Mudiay, a restricted free agent. The issue is moot if Kyrie Irving or Kemba Walker signs with the Knicks, but there’s no way they can bank on a flip-flopping Irving.

“I think [Ntilikina] plays with a really high IQ,” Smith told The Post. “I like his game. I never had an issue with his game. Defensively he’s elite. Offensively, he has a higher IQ than people think. He really understands the game. I think we can play well together.”

Fizdale has asked Smith, 21, to be an on-court leader, and the new Knick admits he needs to step up. He questioned the team’s “heart” after it folded in the second half Wednesday.

“I’ve got to do a better job of making sure everybody stays up out there,” Smith said. “It’s something Fiz is challenging me to do — make sure everyone else is trying to match the [other] team’s intensity, if not beat it.”

Ntilikina’s second season has been as disappointing as his rookie year, when he was picked one spot ahead of Smith. His effective field-goal percentage (40 percent) ranks last in the NBA for eligible players.

However, Knicks brass and its reputedly esteemed development coaches must realize it’s high time for Ntilikina. Nothing matters more than to see how Ntilikina blends in — either as Smith’s backup point guard or on wing as a linchpin defender. Ntilikina said he ran at “a very good pace” Wednesday but can’t predict when he’ll practice.

“I’m excited,” Ntilikina told The Post. “I’m out sitting but watching a lot of stuff. I’m excited about everything about playing with the new players Dennis, DJ [DeAndre Jordan] and play with my teammates. I miss basketball. It’s never easy to stay on the side.”