New York Knicks want to build around RJ Barrett
Despite a somewhat disappointing campaign in 2019-20, the New York Knicks are set on entering the 2020 NBA offseason (whenever that will actually take place) to build around RJ Barrett, their prize from the 2019 NBA Draft.
Barrett is coming off an up-and-down rookie season, in which he averaged 14 points, five rebounds, and three assists on 40 percent shooting from the field and 32 percent from 3-point range. Interestingly, the first and final month of his rookie season proved to be the brightest moments for Barrett.
During the month of October, Barrett averaged 18 points, six rebounds, and three assists on 47 percent shooting from the field and 42 percent from 3-point range. To finish the season (before the league entered its current hiatus), Barrett averaged 19 points, five rebounds, and three assists on 45 percent shooting from the field and 33 percent from 3-point range.
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Aside from those 11 games, it was tough sledding for the rook. During the other four months of the season, Barrett struggled to shoot 40 percent from the field and 30 percent from 3-point range. In the modern NBA, which has embraced efficiency, those numbers won’t cut it for the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 draft.
New York Knicks need the right players
Nevertheless, the Knicks don’t have many options at this point – they must try to build around Barrett, a prospect that they truly believe in. One way to do that is to surround Barrett with the proper complement of players to help him reach his potential. According to a recent report, that entails a proper lead guar and a stretch-big that can shoot.
"[via SNY]“If you want to complement Barrett, that’s where I’d go,” one opposing front office member said. “Adding (a guard and big man who can shoot from the perimeter), you space the floor and make things easier for him. The floor was so crowded for them this year.”"
Even coming out of college, shooting was not part of the RJ Barrett experience – he barely shot 30 percent from 3-point range during his lone season at Duke. After drafting him, the Knicks knew that he was going to need time to develop (especially his shooting touch) and he was not going to enter the league and set it on fire.
Nevertheless, there are some aspects of Barrett’s game that the Knicks should absolutely be excited about. It’s important to note that Barrett was at his best during his rookie season when he was driving to the basket – whether that entailed drawing contact to finishing at the rim.
As soon as he got away from the paint, the drop off was pretty consistent – he only shot 32 percent on mid-range shots and barely above 30 percent on the year from 3-point range.
Because of his struggles with his jump shot, it’s easy to see why the Knicks would want a primary lead guard to place next to him next season. He needs a point guard to set him up for easy buckets in the areas in which he excels, at least until he can consistently develop a jumper.
A stretch-big would also help open the paint for Barrett to have more room to drive and create easy buckets for the Knicks.
The New York Knicks head into an offseason with hopes of taking a step forward. However, that might be a bit easier said than done.