RJ Barrett – New York Knicks
The 2021-22 season has been a major disappointment for the New York Knicks, but one of their lone bright spots has been the play of RJ Barrett.
While he did miss a chunk of time due to an ankle injury, RJ Barrett has had a terrific third season in the NBA and is setting himself up to receive a max rookie extension from the Knicks in the offseason.
Through 62 games this year, Barrett has averaged 19.9 points (career-high), 5.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and has shot 41.2% from the floor, 35.1% from three-point range. Barrett has also made a career-high 126 three-pointers this season, expanding his overall offensive game.
With the Knicks’ backcourt being a mess and Julius Randle struggling at times this season, RJ Barrett has had to step up and be the primary scoring option for his team.
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RJ Barrett has scored at least 20 points in 29 games this season, including a career-high 46 points in a home loss to the Miami Heat.
Proving to be a primary scorer and facilitator, RJ Barrett has quickly become the face of the New York Knicks, just one year after Julius Randle was given this title for being a first-time All-Star and the NBA’s Most Improved Player.
The question for Barrett and the Knicks, other than his pending contract extension, is what this team will look like moving forward, especially after they are on the verge of being eliminated from postseason contention.
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Julius Randle’s future is very much up-in-the-air entering the offseason, as are those of Evan Fournier, Kemba Walker, Derrick Rose, and Alec Burks, which is why the Knicks could look to “reset” and build with RJ Barrett being their focal point and No. 1 option.
Barrett has had a terrific third season in the NBA and while the spotlight has not been cast on him this season, RJ Barrett has quickly become a Top-10 player in this league under 24-years-old.
