3 questions facing the New York Knicks if the season is over
How can they best maximize RJ Barrett?
In what was thought of as a three-player draft, the Knicks took RJ Barrett with the third pick. Not a bad start to their first season without Kristaps Porzingis in the fold.
But Barrett has struggled, as you’d expect a rookie to in New York, provided the drama it contains and the shift he’s had within the coaching staff. Still, it’s been a quietly productive inaugural season for the Duke product: 14.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.
Barrett started the year on a heavier minutes load, which may have contributed to his incredibly slowed down month of December. But he has since, in the month of March, picked up the pace.
New York’s prized rookie finished March averaging 18.7 points in 6 games. He scored 27 points in a win over the Houston Rockets, and 26 points in a win over the Atlanta Hawks.
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When evaluating Barrett’s rookie season, it’s clear there’s playmaking potential. But he hasn’t had the luxury of talent on the wing, as the Knicks are in dire need of any kind of shot maker. Finding more help in that department in free agency needs to be a priority for New York.
Additionally, as has been the case for this team for what seems like the last decade–drafting a point guard who can both pass and score exclusively will only help. Barrett’s been stuck with the shell of Dennis Smith Jr, an injury-riddled Elfrid Payton, and Frank Ntilikina this year.
The latter would no doubt be his preference to play with next season, but there are better options in the upcoming draft, dependent upon where the Knicks draft selection falls. Guys like LaMelo Ball, Tyrese Maxey, Cole Anthony, and Nico Mannion are all projected to in round one.
Determining which of those point guards will make Barrett’s life easiest next season should be the Knicks top priority and main focus in terms of strategy regarding the upcoming draft.