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The New York Knicks need to hand RJ Barrett the keys

ByJack Simone|
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 02: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 2, 2022 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. 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. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 02: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks against the Memphis Grizzlies on February 2, 2022 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. 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. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images)
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The New York Knicks need to hand RJ Barrett the keys
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 25: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks in action against the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on February 25, 2022 in New York City. The Heat defeated the Knicks 115-100. 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. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The New York Knicks need to hand RJ Barrett the keys: Production

RJ Barrett has already begun this process. Since the beginning of February (four games), Barrett has led the Knicks in minutes per game, playing 39.9 minutes a night.

Julius Randle is next up on that list, and he’s only averaging 33.9 a night – six whole minutes less than Barrett is playing. The transition toward youth is already happening, and Barrett is stepping up to the challenge.

In those four games, Barrett averaged 30.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while shooting 40.9 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from behind the three-point line.

Sure, there’s some work to be done in terms of efficiency, but his ability to score is undeniable. And what’s been even more impressive is how Barrett is getting those points.

The 30 points are impressive enough at face value, but taking a deeper look, Barrett has averaged 12.5 free throws a night. (Though he’s only making 8.5 of them, which is 68 percent.)

For reference, Joel Embiid leads the NBA in free throws this season at 11.6 per game. Barrett’s ability to drive, draw contact, and get to the line is up there with the best in the league. (Now he just has to make his free throws.)

There’s no doubt that Barrett is good enough to have the keys to the Knicks franchise, but what has to happen in order for him to be allowed to do so?

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