Frank Ntilikina, the talented point guard for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA, has been a prominent figure in international basketball since his teenage years in France. While his NBA journey has faced challenges, his potential and dedication remain undeniable.

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Quick Facts

Full Name	Frank Bryan Ntilikina
Known As	Frank Ntilikina
Date of Birth	July 28, 1998
Birth Place	Ixelles, Belgium
Nick Name	Frankie Smokes
Religion	Christianity
Nationality	French
Zodiac Sign	Leo
Age	25 years old
Height	1.93 m (6 feet 4 inches)
Weight	200 lb (91 kg)
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Dark brown
Build	Athletic
Father’s Name	Faustin Ntilikina
Mother’s Name	Jacqueline Ntilikina
Siblings	Yves Ntilikina, Brice Ntilikina
Food Habit	Non-vegetarian
Education	Not available
Marital Status	Unmarried
Sexual Orientation	Straight
Girlfriend	None
Kids	None
Salary	$1.78 million
Profession	Professional basketball player
NBA Draft	2017 / Round: 1 / 8th pick overall
Position	Point guard
League	National Basketball Association (NBA)
Active Years	(2015–Present)
Net Worth	$1-$5 million
Currently Plays For	Dallas Mavericks
Jersey Number (recent)	21
Social Media	Instagram, Twitter
Merch	Dunk (Kindle), Notebook, Jersey

Frank Ntilikina Early Life & Family

Born and raised on July 28, 1998, in Ixelles, Belgium, Ntilikina is the youngest son of Faustin and Jacqueline Ntilikina. His roots trace back to Rwanda, where his mother sought refuge during the Civil War in the 1990s. At age three, the family moved to Strasbourg, France, where Frank grew up and developed a passion for basketball, influenced by his older brothers Yves and Brice.

Despite financial hardships, especially during Jacqueline’s early years in France, Ntilikina’s family overcame adversity. His brothers excelled in their respective fields, with Yves becoming a surgeon and Brice working as a physical therapist. Frank’s journey from playing in the nearby park to becoming an NBA player is a testament to his determination and the support of his family.

Early Career

Ntilikina’s journey in basketball began at the age of five when he joined St. Joseph Strasbourg, eventually transitioning to Strasbourg IG’s youth academy at age 15. His early prowess earned him a spot in the Jordan Brand Classic International Game in 2014, where he contributed significantly to SIG’s French Youth League Championship in the 2014–15 season.

In February 2016, Ntilikina showcased his skills at the “Basketball Without Borders Global Camp” in Toronto during the NBA All-Star Weekend, marking a significant step in his path to professional basketball.

Professional Career 

SIG Strasbourg (2015–2017)

In December 2015, Ntilikina signed a professional contract with SIG Strasbourg, making his debut in the French LNB Pro A in April 2015. He quickly escalated to EuroLeague competition in October 2015, demonstrating his potential at the international level. Ntilikina’s growth was evident in the 2015–16 Pro A season, where he was named the league’s Best Young Player. His impact continued into the 2016–17 season, culminating in another Best Young Player award.

2017 NBA Draft and New York Knicks (2017–2021)

Entering the 2017 NBA draft, Ntilikina garnered attention, especially from the Dallas Mavericks. However, the New York Knicks selected him as the eighth overall pick. His rookie season saw him become the second-youngest player in the NBA then. Ntilikina showcased promise, achieving milestones such as his first double-double in January 2018. Despite initial enthusiasm, his rookie season was labeled as underwhelming, and criticisms of being a draft bust surfaced.

His second season was marred by injuries, limiting his appearances to 43 games. Despite struggles with shooting, Ntilikina displayed defensive prowess. However, his playing time diminished in favor of Elfrid Payton.

Dallas Mavericks (2021–2023)

In September 2021, Ntilikina embarked on a new chapter by signing with the Dallas Mavericks. However, his debut was a loss to the Atlanta Hawks in October 2021. The stint with the Mavericks provided Ntilikina with new opportunities and challenges.

Charlotte Hornets (2023–Present)

Transitioning again, Ntilikina joined the Charlotte Hornets on August 5, 2023, marking the latest chapter in his NBA journey. The move to Charlotte represents a chance for Ntilikina to contribute to a new team and further develop his skills.

National Team Career

Ntilikina has also contributed substantially to the French national teams, winning the 2014 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship and earning Most Valuable Player honors in the 2016 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in securing a bronze medal for France in the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Awards & Achievements

Ntilikina’s accolades include being named the FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship MVP in 2016, winning the Pro A Best Young Player award in 2016 and 2017, and achieving various medals in international competitions, including gold at the FIBA Europe U-16 Championship in 2014 and bronze at the FIBA World Cup in 2019.

Net Worth, Contracts & Salary

With a reported net worth between $1 to $5 million, Ntilikina’s earnings have evolved over the years. His NBA career commenced with a four-year contract deal worth around $18 million with the New York Knicks, contributing to a significant portion of his earnings. Despite initial expectations for salary increases, his performance challenges led to a two-year contract with the Dallas Mavericks in 2021, valued at $3.8 million.

Beyond basketball, Ntilikina’s endorsement deals, including his role as a brand ambassador for Adidas in France and appearances in fashion events and magazines, have added to his financial success.

Injuries

Injuries have been a part of Ntilikina’s career, with a recent sprained ankle affecting his performance in the 2021-22 NBA season. Despite occasional setbacks, his resilience and determination to overcome injuries have been evident.

Personal Life

At 25, Ntilikina remains focused on his career, steering clear of any public relationships. While acknowledging his popularity among women, he aims to concentrate on his game and professional growth.

Author of “Dunk”

Ntilikina’s venture into literature includes the release of the French-language book titled “Dunk” in October 2021. The book reflects on his childhood in Strasbourg, France, offering inspiring stories about dreaming big and never giving up. Although available only in French, “Dunk” provides a unique perspective on Ntilikina’s life.

Physical Stats & Social Media

Standing at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters) and weighing around 200 pounds (91 kg), Ntilikina maintains a robust physical presence. His social media presence includes Instagram (@frank_ntilikina) and Twitter (@FrankLikina), where fans can follow his journey on and off the court.