Frank Ntilikina, New York Knicks, 2017 NBA Draft
French point guard Frank Ntilikina (right) posing with a French teammate Frank Ntilikina / Instagram

The New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks, positioned to select No. 8 and No. 9 respectively in Thursday's NBA Draft, have common interest in French point guard Frank Ntilikina. While the Knicks have sent scouts overseas to watch Ntilikina, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and president Donnie Walsh travelled to Europe this past weekend to meet the 18-year-old guard.

Ntilikina is unable to work out for teams in the United States with his team, Strasbourg, due to start a best-of-five series Tuesday against Elan Chalon for the LNB Pro A championship in France. According to ESPN's Chad Ford, Ntilikina's coach at Strasbourg, Vincent Collet, will coach with the Dallas Mavericks' Summer League squad. The renowned scout added that "Dallas (are) all in on Ntilikina." Ford's recent mock draft, however, has Mavericks picking North Carolina State point guard Dennis Smith Jr. with the No. 9 pick.

2017 NBA Draft: Knicks to draft a wing or a guard

Phil Jackson recently told the media that the Knicks would target wings or guards that are familiar with the triangle offense. The Knicks are expected to weigh all their options and select one of Ntilikina, Malik Monk, Smith or Luke Kennard during Thursday's draft.

Ntilikina spoke to The New York Post about his familiarity with the triangle offense. "I watch a lot of basketball (NBA) games. The Knicks (have) a good history. The game they play -- the triangle offense -- is close to the game I play in France with my team. A lot of movement. I think to play over there, I would fit with them. It would be great to play for them."

"The team and my agents are trying to do what’s possible to make me go to the draft and come back after (for a Game 5 in France)," added the French teenager.

The Knicks are reportedly also trying to acquire an additional first-round pick from the Portland Trail Blazers, a team that owns 15th, 20th and 26th picks at next month's NBA Draft. The 2017 NBA draft will be held on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

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