NBA: 4 third-year players primed for breakout seasons in 2021-22

RJ Barrett, New York Knicks

I’ve seen the comments that have been made by RJ Barrett skeptics, so save the judgment on this selection. Even though Barrett, like MPJ, is already a good player for the New York Knicks, I believe he’s going to take the leap to stardom this season and be the leading man for this franchise.

Barrett is going to be a 20-plus point per game scorer this season, continue to improve on the defensive end of the floor, and is going to come out this year with something to prove after his struggles in the postseason against the Atlanta Hawks.

Barrett has everything it takes to be a really good player and is a budding star, whether you like him or not. That’s the facts. And even though mistakes are only magnified in New York, you can’t help but credit him with how he’s developed over the first two seasons of his career – amid a global pandemic.

The Knicks have a star. It’s finally going to be his chance to shine.