The New York Knicks are a team that many people are expecting to be competitive again in the 2023-24 NBA season. After surprising a lot of people with their success last season, teams are going to be more prepared for them this time around.
The one thing that New York will have over a lot of their opponents is continuity. They didn’t make many major changes to their roster this offseason, bringing back nearly their entire rotation from last season.
The only change that was made was Obi Toppin being traded to the Indiana Pacers. His spot in the rotation will be taken by Donte DiVincenzo, who fits better into what Tom Thibodeau is looking for as a two-way wing player.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: RJ Barrett & New York Knicks Updates
If the Knicks are going to take that next step and make an appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000, they will need some natural development from their younger players. The player whom everyone will be keeping an eye on in that regard is RJ Barrett.
Barrett, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Duke, hasn’t quite lived up to expectations in the eyes of some. Consistency has been an issue, as he looks like a budding All-Star for a week and then the next week you are questioning whether or not he should be on an NBA roster.
Still only 23 years old, those kind of inconsistencies are something you hope will disappear over time. If his performance in the 2023 postseason is an indication of things to come, the Knicks and their fans are going to be very happy.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: RJ Barrett & New York Knicks Updates
An argument can be made that Barrett was the team’s second most consistent player in the playoffs behind Jalen Brunson. He scored in double-figures in 10 straight games to close out the postseason and had a stretch of scoring 21+ in six out of seven games.
That is an impressive feat when taking into consideration he did it against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, the No. 1 and No. 9 teams in the NBA in defensive rating. While his shooting percentages still left something to be desired, there is hope that will change.
One preseason game isn’t going to change the narrative on Barrett, especially one that he shot 1-of-6 in, but there were some real positives to take away from his performance. He works hard in the offseason and spent this year playing for Team Canada in the FIBA World Cup. The positives from the postseason were carried over into the international competition.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: RJ Barrett & New York Knicks Updates
The quickest way for Barrett to see an uptick in efficiency is for his decision-making to improve. He showed more of a willingness in the Knicks’ preseason opener to make kick out passes to shooters instead of taking tough, contested shots in the paint. As shown in this clip by Hot Hand Theory Podcast on X, formerly known as Twitter, Barrett wasn’t forcing shots and was getting his teammates involved.
That will not only lead to an uptick in efficiency for Barrett, but easy shots for his teammates as he commands so much attention from opposing defenses. Once he shows to be a more willing and capable passer, things will open up for him to get to the basket as well.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: RJ Barrett & New York Knicks Updates
Attacking the rim and playing with physicality, something Barrett does not shy away from will lead to more foul shots. The quickest way for a player to become a consistent 20-points-per-game scorer is by converting at the charity stripe.
Against Boston, Barrett attempted nine free throws in 15 minutes of action. He made all nine, a testament to him remaining aggressive despite his shot not falling during the game.
His one make of the game, a 3-pointer, normally wouldn’t be much of a highlight. But, the process leading up to the made shot is what is encouraging. Barrett’s high IQ was on display, as he filled an open spot on the court to get an easier shot. This is something Quentin Grimes worked tirelessly on during the offseason and Barrett looks to have put in some work on as well.
For Barrett to truly take that next step, the Knicks need him to become more of a two-way player. He has shown flashes of excellent defense in the past, sometimes drawing the assignment of the opposing team’s best perimeter player.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: RJ Barrett & New York Knicks Updates
But, the results were not always there. Last season, as pointed out by the Hot Hand Theory Podcast, the Knicks were 9.3 points per 100 possessions better on defense with him on the bench.
That was the worst ratio on the team, and for someone who is going to play as many minutes as Barrett, needs to change. Against the Celtics, he showed a lot better awareness off-the-ball, where his lapses occur most often.
Those lapses will not only lead to his man being open for shots but struggles in the rebounding department. Someone with the size and strength of Barrett should be a more impactful rebounder, especially with Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle bulldozing opponents in the paint.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: RJ Barrett & New York Knicks Updates
Rebounding, like defense, is an effort thing. If you are willing to put in the work, the results will follow. It was something Barrett showcased more of a willingness to do with Team Canada and in the first preseason game, he did the same against the Celtics.
Barrett is a capable ball handler and playmaker. Getting a rebound and going right away will create mismatches for him and his teammates in the open court, where they thrive. Easy shots weren’t always readily available to the Knicks given their iso-heavy system offensively, but they will occur more as Barrett gets more active on the glass.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: RJ Barrett & New York Knicks Updates
It was only one preseason game against mostly backups for the Celtics, but what Barrett put on tape was especially encouraging. If that kind of energy and effort carries into the regular season, this is a Knicks team that can reach another level compared to last season’s squad.
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