Knicks' 2017 Lottery Pick Wins Silver Medal

Although France didn't win gold vs. Team USA, it accomplished a second consecutive silver-medal finish. Among France's Olympic Men's Basketball team members, Frank Ntilikina's underdog story connects with NBA fans. Nicknamed "Frankie Smokes," his defensive effort lives up to his basketball alias.

As Kevin Durant found out, Ntilikina isn't one to avoid smoke. During the France vs. Team USA contest, Durant and Ntilikina briefly tangled up in a confrontation following a foul committed by the French guard. That fire and unwillingness to back down granted the 26-year-old more playing time.

Although Ntilikina failed to register a point in the gold medal game, the former New York Knicks guard scored more points than Jayson Tatum during the Paris Olympics.

The highest-paid player in the NBA scored 21 points to Ntilikina's 25. While such a stat doesn't reveal everything about a player's importance, it's worth noting Tatum received two DNPs, both vs. Serbia.

Meanwhile, Ntilikina's two performances, which resulted in a plus-13 point differential against Brazil and the favored Canada Olympic team, speak volumes of his influence.

Perhaps his Olympic success will grant him a chance at another NBA team, as the former Knicks guard is still a free agent.

He played five games for the Charlotte Hornets during the 2023-24 season. Following Ntilikina's rookie contract with the Knicks, the French guard spent two seasons with the Dallas Mavericks.

Related: Mikal Bridges 'Hates' Tyrese Haliburton's Olympic Post

Ntilikina's second year with the Mavericks ended with the Luka Doncic-led team losing to the eventual champions, the Golden State Warriors, in the 2022 Western Conference Finals.

Although Knicks fans didn't experience success with their team's 2017 lottery pick, perhaps they can find solace in seeing a former player succeed internationally.