The infirmary is gradually emptying in Charlotte, particularly at the leader position since after the return of LaMelo BallIt is Frank Ntilikina who will soon join his teammates.
Victim of a fractured left tibia just before the start of the season, the French leader has returned to training for two weeks and would be in the last week of his rehabilitation, with the ultimate objective of regaining physical strength to support again the intensity of an NBA game.
It is therefore soon the end of a long wait for the player, who had already missed the World Cup due to a thigh injury sustained during preparation.
“It's really boring.” That's not what you want when you're a basketball player. Injuries are the worst part of a career. It's been months now, so I just want one thing: to get back on the pitch with the guys.”, did he declare. “I have the impression that everyone here trusts me, the coach, my teammates. “It’s a little frustrating not being on the field with them, but I control what I can control and I do everything I can do every day to get back healthy as quickly as possible.”
His coach Steve Clifford had already praised his defensive qualities and is also looking forward to his return.
“Actually, it was a big blow for our team”said the coach. “I don't know if people realize it, but he can really defend on anyone. Like LaMelo, there aren't many guys who can defend on LaMelo and Frank can make it very difficult for him. He's a great individual defender, really, and a great pick-and-roll defender. And there aren't many guys like that. Plus, he has size and for our team, he fits well because he can defend on wingers, so you can play him at post 2 with Melo, you can play him with Terry. He therefore adapts very well to our team”.
While he is expected to complete full training sessions, his return to play could take place during the week. Charlotte will play in New Orleans this evening then will host San Antonio and Philadelphia back-to-back, Friday and Saturday.
| Frank Ntilikina | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2017-18 | NYK | 78 | 22 | 36.4 | 31.8 | 72.1 | 0.5 | 1.8 | 2.3 | 3.2 | 2.3 | 0.8 | 1.7 | 0.2 | 5.9 |
| 2018-19 | NYK | 43 | 21 | 33.7 | 28.7 | 76.7 | 0.3 | 1.7 | 2.0 | 2.8 | 2.4 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 5.7 |
| 2019-20 | NYK | 57 | 21 | 39.3 | 32.1 | 86.4 | 0.4 | 1.7 | 2.1 | 3.0 | 2.5 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 6.3 |
| 2020-21 | NYK | 33 | 10 | 36.7 | 47.9 | 44.4 | 0.2 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 2.7 |
| 2021-22 | DAL | 58 | 12 | 39.9 | 34.2 | 96.0 | 0.2 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 4.1 |
| Total | 269 | 18 | 37.1 | 33.1 | 77.5 | 0.3 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 2.4 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 5.2 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
