GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Frank Ntilikina of the New York Knicks poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)

Incoming NBA rookies believe Dennis Smith Jr. will win Rookie of the Year. New York Knicks point guard Frank Ntilikina is using that as motivation.

The New York Knicks shocked the masses by selecting Frank Ntilikina over Dennis Smith Jr. at the 2017 NBA Draft. Ntilikina was the enigma of his draft class, whereas Smith was viewed as a borderline sure thing due to his elite athleticism and his well-rounded skill set.

As praise pours in for Smith and criticism continues to mount for the Knicks’ decision to draft Ntilikina, one word is consistently surfacing: Motivation.

Ntilikina is one of the most decorated young players in the history of the respected French League. Yet, coming out of the now proven European circuit, Ntilikina was viewed as a lesser player than Smith, who became a SportsCenter mainstay in 2016-17.

According to John Schuhmann of NBA.com, the incoming rookies believe Smith will win Rookie of the Year—and Ntilikina is finding motivation in that declaration.

FWIW: people around the Knicks say this kind of stuff is motivational for NYK rookie Frank Ntilikina. https://t.co/Xo8NTkYvdK — Ian Begley (@IanBegley) August 22, 2017

At this point, all Ntilikina can do is work harder than the individuals whom critics believe will have better careers.

It’s entirely possible that Smith will win the 2018 Rookie of the Year award. He’s one of the most dynamic young talents in the Association, and he’ll be entering a favorable situation with a Hall of Fame mentor in Dirk Nowitzki and a Hall of Fame head coach in Rick Carlisle.

Smith will also be surrounded by respected and productive NBA players such as Harrison Barnes, Seth Curry, and Wesley Matthews.

His future success or failure is not a reflection on Ntilikina, however, who has become something of an NBA Draft pariah.

While critics focus on what could go wrong, Ntilikina has been working tirelessly to improve his game. He’s training with revered NBA trainer Chris Brickley, and already has professional experience—an advantage that doesn’t get quite enough attention.

At 6’5″ with a projected 7’0″ wingspan, Ntilikina has the physical tools to dominate the point guard position on both ends of the floor.

No matter what the critics expect of him, Frank Ntilikina is going to continue working to prove the New York Knicks made the right decision.