Former Mavs’ Frank Ntilikina's Basketball Journey Nears Its Peak in Olympics

Frank Ntilikina didn't live up to the pre-draft analysis. The legendary Draft Express scouting report alluded to an exceptional player who'd be a reliable role player for a "long career" as a high IQ, athletic player who can guard three positions. The scouting report also claimed Ntilikina would become a spot-up three-point shooter.

Although a lack of consistency kept him from reaching his potential in the NBA, one thing is certain: Ntilikina contributed in a big way to France advancing to the gold medal game in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

In the fourth quarter vs. Germany, Ntilikina converted a layup and a three-point shot. For the first time since 2004, Team USA appears flawed enough to finish outside of a gold medal. Ntilikina's length could cause issues in its passing lanes and help France defend three-point shot close-outs.

Ntilikina's 32 percent mark from behind the three-point line in his NBA career flies in the face of scouting reports indicating he'd become a reliable spot-up shooter from such range. Although it hasn't happened in the NBA, the former Dallas Mavericks guard is registering 41 percent of his three-point shots with France.

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BetMGM has Team USA as a 16.5 favorite. However, as Serbia nearly exposed, Team USA isn't impervious to an Olympic loss.

With Victor Wembanyama, Nicolas Batum, Guerschon Yabusele, and Evan Fournier leading the contest, Ntilikina's defense and new-found three-point shooting will come in hands vs. the athletically imposing, superstar-riddled roster of Team USA.

France plays Team USA in the gold medal game on August 10 at 2:30 p.m. CT.