New York Knicks: 4 must-follow storylines this season
New York Knicks storyline No. 1. Will RJ Barrett inch closer to All-Star form?
RJ Barrett had high expectations after the New York Knicks selected him No. 3 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. As a 21-year-old entering his third NBA season, the forward is steadily progressing into a solid player.
The 6-foot-6 forward played and started all 72 games last season and ranked second in minutes played in the NBA, only behind teammate Julius Randle. He tallied formidable numbers on efficient splits. His 17.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game on 44.1 percent from the floor and 40.1 percent from behind the arc are impressive, especially for a second-year player.
A breakout third year could be imminent, but the Knicks’ offseason acquisitions may impede Barrett’s development.
As a rookie and sophomore, Barrett only had Randle — and Marcus Morris for half a season in 2019-20 — ahead of him on the offense’s pecking order. Barrett had a large role in the offense, and he quickly benefited from it. However, his usage will likely dip due to the organization bringing in Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier.
Barrett may still be the second option behind Randle, but Walker and Fournier will require a sizable amount of shots and touches. Barrett won’t have the ball as often and will need to become a strong off-ball threat.
The decrease in offensive touches could hinder Barrett’s development, but it could also prove to be beneficial. With more offensive weapons, Barrett will not have as much attention on him.
There’s also the possibility that Barrett’s touches don’t diminish whatsoever. Walker’s knee injury could linger throughout the season, which would result in the point guard receiving fewer touches than expected. Furthermore, Barrett could be primed for an All-Star caliber season and the added offensive pieces could help make Tom Thibodeau’s system flow better.
Thibodeau’s usage of Barrett will directly affect how the forward is approached for a contract extension when eligible next offseason. Inching closer to an All-Star level or even reaching that form this season would make a maximum extension seem plausible. It also helps to have Randle’s extension finalized — the Knicks can commit next offseason’s focus to re-signing Barrett.
All of the aforementioned possibilities are just that. The key is watching how Thibodeau uses Barrett alongside Walker, Fournier and Randle, and if Barrett benefits from his role.