The New York Knicks will have plenty of influential players during the 2019-20 season. They signed multiple veteran free agents to come in and help the Knicks succeed moving forward, but their youth players are the focal point and will ultimately be the priority moving forward. Building around them and utilizing their talents will be head coach David Fizdale’s primary task.
Drafting RJ Barrett with a third overall pick in the NBA draft this off-season gives the Knicks a true scoring option and a potential star in the league. While they missed out on Zion Williamson in the lottery, Barrett has plenty of potentials and can develop into a productive and efficient force. He’s an aggressive scorer that attacks the rim with his driving abilities and post moves. Adapting to the physicality and speed of the NBA might take a little bit of time, but it will be an easier process for him than players like the formerly undrafted Allonzo Trier.
However, Trier has one season under his belt and had a surprisingly stellar first campaign. He ended up with an NBA contract worth $7 million, which is the richest a two-way player has signed. The Arizona product has worked tirelessly on improving his three-point shot to help the Knicks in a facet of the game that was considered a weakness in 2018.
Last year, he finished tied for first on the team with 3.5 free throws per game, while Playing just 22.8 minutes. He averaged 10.9 points and 3.1 rebounds as the Knicks 6th man.
Adding players like Wayne Ellington will limit the number of minutes Trier ultimately earns, but he will serve a specific purpose next season. He will be a momentum changer for the Knicks as he prioritizes offense and will be used in that way.
Trier is also a solid defender, but he will need to improve on those skills to earn consistent minutes. Also, he has to increase his passing and assist efficiency, as he can also play the point guard position. Ideally, he will develop into a utility player that helps minimize fatigue and fill a specific role, but I imagine the three-ball being an important part of his game. Last season, he averaged just 2.1 three-point shots per game, hitting on .394%.