4. RJ Barrett
There’s a lot of pressure when it comes to being a lottery pick. Specifically, when you’re the Knicks’ third overall pick. So naturally, there’re high expectations for RJ Barrett to be the savior and turn the luck of this organization around. With the way he started the season, some Knicks fans felt that type of hope.
Barrett started the season off strong with a slash line of 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. He demonstrated that he’s able to attack the rim, has adequate body control and can play solid defense.
Unfortunately, in December, Barrett’s averages dropped to 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists due to an injured ankle and perhaps the inevitable rookie wall.
Upon returning from injury, Barrett’s flaws were prominent. He showed he had trouble finishing with his weak hand, isn’t a consistent jump shooter and lacks the playmaking ability to get his teammates involved.
Fortunately, Barrett began to resurge in March, which brought some reassurance. Across his final eight games, Barrett was averaging 18.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Barrett was starting to get into the groove again and was beginning to prove he was worth being the third overall pick.
Although Barrett was able to come out of a slump, he will need to work on the aforementioned deficiencies Naturally, Barrett should want to continue to improve his game, and it seems that he has that demeanor of wanting to improve. But since he is considered a foundational piece to this team, he must continue to develop.