Brother of Mavericks Veteran Signs With Knicks

Another Ntilikina in the NBA

Isiah Ntilikina, the younger brother of former New York Knicks guard Frank Ntilikina, has reportedly agreed to a deal with New York's crosstown rivals, the Brooklyn Nets. The 6-foot-4 guard played last season for Filou Oostende of the Belgian League, where he averaged 10.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.

Fulfilling Potential

The younger Ntilikina, who is entering his third professional season, has long been considered a talented prospect. He was a standout player at Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas, and was considered one of the top recruits in the class of 2017. After graduating high school, Isiah Ntilikina chose to play professionally in Europe rather than attend college in the United States.

Stepping Out of Brother's Shadow

Isiah Ntilikina will now have the opportunity to make a name for himself in the NBA, apart from his older brother. Frank Ntilikina was a first-round pick of the Knicks in the 2017 NBA Draft, but he struggled to live up to expectations during his time in New York. He was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2021, where he has played a limited role.

Room to Prove Himself

Isiah Ntilikina will have an opportunity to prove himself with the Nets, who are looking for depth in their backcourt. He will compete for minutes behind starting point guard Kyrie Irving and veteran guard Seth Curry.