New York Knicks: How will RJ Barrett realistically perform in 2019-20?

New York Knicks, RJ Barrett
Jul 5, 2019; Las Vegas, NV, USA; New York Knicks guard R.J. Barrett against the New Orleans Pelicans during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks and RJ Barrett are a match made in basketball heaven. The 3rd overall draft pick will improve on his flaws, which became evident in the first two games of the 2019 NBA Summer League.

RJ Barrett was shaking off the rust after not playing basketball for three months; therefore, fans began to have a panic attack when he struggled mightily from the field and with his decision making. The 2019-2020 NBA preseason is arriving in October, and the New York Knicks will have to implement their newly acquired talent in training camp. Fizdale isn’t handing out positions either. Everybody will have to fight for a job on that basketball court in training camp, including potential rookie of the year RJ Barrett.

The Maple Mamba will perform well this season for the worlds 5th most valuable franchise in the world (Forbes). Realistically, Scott Perry and Steve Mills drafted a kid with incredible tenacity and a relentless work ethic.

Barrett’s style of play is predicated on making plays for his teammates and getting to the rim by any means necessary. For a rookie, RJ has amazing finishing ability at the rim. Due to the fact Barrett’s a young 19-year-old physical specimen at a chiseled 6’7 210lbs with room for growth, it certainly doesn’t hurt that he is a crafty lefty who will be able to navigate his way to the rim at will due to his herky-jerky penetration style.

Once the game slows down for the Canadia international, he’ll live at the free-throw line and become a triple-double threat on a nightly basis, especially with his above-average rebounding. However, this young man will need some time to adjust to the speed of the game.

How much time? My prediction is the second half of this season, RJ Barrett will be settled in mentally and offensively/defensively improved.

There are some challenges and hurdles that he’ll have to face along the way. RJ Barrett will have to gain more experience playing off the ball. Therefore, there will be good offensive flow while playing with a ball-dominant point guard like Dennis Smith Jr. RJ must also continue working on that lefty stroke from deep. No challenge will be significant for this kid due to his ferocious work ethic in the gym. Barrett is the only draft pick out of the top six picks in this year’s draft to play more than one summer league game. This attests to his impending improvement and what he’s capable of achieving.

The New York Knickerbockers and RJ Barrett are a match made in basketball heaven because coach Fizdale is known around the league as the guy who sharpens and legitimatizes superstars! The Maple Mamba is in a great situation with Fizdale and his talent developmental staff. Barrett’s future at MSG is very bright, and he’ll win the hearts of many fans.