New York Knicks: 3 reasons to be excited about R.J. Barrett

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 20: RJ Barrett is interviewed after being drafted by the New York Knicks during the 2019 NBA Draft on June 20, 2019 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ryan McGilloway/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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3. A superb scorer has arrived

It’s no secret that the Knicks were abysmal on offense throughout the entire 2018-19 campaign. Being third-to-last in the league by scoring just 104.6 points per game, a shot creator has been an urgent need.

R.J. Barrett is exactly that. He led Duke in scoring with 22.6 points per game, ahead of No. 1 overall pick, Zion Williamson. Barrett is simply a bucket-getter.

Since the beginning of the collegiate season, he scored 860 points, which put him as him as the second-best scorer in a single season in Duke’s history. He surpassed historic Duke monsters like Grant Hill and Christian Laettner, and the newest member of the Knicks is ready to ball on the big stage.

Let’s see how Barrett ranks up against current members of the Knicks. The other two young stars, Dennis Smith Jr. and Kevin Knox have proved to be somewhat good scorers, though their rock-bottom percentages might outweigh the whole package. Mitchell Robinson, though a defensive monster, obviously lacks a certain offensive game.

Barrett, on the other hand, is capable of creating his shot more often than not. Even if the Knicks manage to sign Kevin Durant, something that seems more and more possible, Barrett is likely going to be scoring option No.1 once the upcoming NBA season tips off.

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