New York Knicks: 5 takeaways from 2019 Las Vegas Summer League

3. Draftees shine

Summer League is the first opportunity for fans to see the newest rookies on the court for the first time. For New York Knicks fans, that meant seeing R.J. Barrett and Ignas Brazdeikis for the first time, and they did not disappoint.

Barrett was selected No. 3 overall and was being labeled a bust after two games. He struggled to find his rhythm those first two games against the New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns, but picked things up the final three games.

Barrett averaged 19.7 points, 9.0 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game over his final three outings. His shooting percentages were a little lower than you’d like, but it was nice to see him adapt throughout the games.

Early on, he was too reliant on his jumper. As the games went on, he attacked the rim more, which opened up the rest of his game. He didn’t shy away from being the main facilitator and ball handler either.

Brazdeikis was arguably the best player on the court for New York. He played confidently from the opening tip of Game 1 through the final whistle of Game 5. Brazdeikis shot the ball extremely well and showed some versatility in his game, whether it be from the perimeter or at the rim.

In 26.8 minutes per game, Iggy averaged 15.4 points to go with 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.

Finding minutes for Brazdeikis off the bat will be difficult. The Knicks signed four frontcourt players in free agency, which will push the former Michigan Wolverine further down the depth chart. However, if he plays as well in the preseason and with the Westchester Knicks as he did in Summer League, they won’t be able to keep him out of the rotation very long.