The New York Knicks’ third pick in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft, RJ Barrett, and free-agent signing, Julius Randle could begin the season as starters depending on training camp and preseason. If both of these left-handed physically gifted players start, RJ Barrett and Julius Randle can have great chemistry out the gate, similar to RJ Barrett and Zion Williamson last season at Duke under Mike Krzyzewski.
Julius Randle plays a similar physical style to Zion Williamson offensively. However, Zion Williamson’s power and jumping ability at only 19 years old is special and unmatched. Once you get past the physical gifts of Zion Williamson and Zion’s superior defense, you might realize both Julius Randle’s and Zion Williamson’s offensive style are identical. Both can bring the ball up the floor, both players can initiate the offense, both can pass, both can finish very well through contact, and both are superb rebounders. Therefore, RJ Barrett definitely can have an instant connection with Randle once they learn each other’s movements on the floor. The two left-handed physical specimens, Barrett and Zion gained chemistry quickly. Therefore, Barrett and Randle chemistry can be positive if the New York Knicks coaching staff puts them in positions to succeed on both ends. Randle makes up for the explosiveness compared to Zion by becoming an improved overall shooter including behind the arc. Of course, it took Randle years to get there. It will be the same for Zion Williamson regarding his jump-shot. Reps in the gym are vital for increased shooting percentages.
Overall, watching RJ Barrett and Julius Randle coexist together on the court in small samples during the preseason will be something interesting to watch in early October.