The Knicks Pick Up Frank's Option

The Knicks just picked up Frank Ntilikina's fourth year option. This is a bit of a surprise, as the current administration has run so far and so fast away from most of Phil Jackson's moves. This is encouraging because it shows the Knicks valuing something more than the way the player came in -- which may have brutalized them last year. Frank is a defensive whiz, who, Friday Night, seemed to fit in really well with RJ Barrett as the Knicks made a run. Both Frank and RJ have good handles and can probably get the rock to the bigs consistently.  Plus Frank is an elite defender who, along with Big Mitch gives the Knicks two strong defenders, who can perhaps influence the defensive futures of guys like RJ, who seems willing and Kevin Knox who seems to have the tools.  Some of the guys Knicks have had good defensive years and perhaps having 2 young defenders like Frank and Mitch going for it every night, will inspire the guest vets as well as the rest of the team. Surprising and really appreciated.

UPDATE: They are also picking up the option for Dennis Smith Jr, and at least one outlet is reporting, for Kevin Knox, too. Though that would be a year early.