The New York Knicks drafted the guy they wanted in RJ Barrett. It was the first time in it seems like forever that fans were happy with the selection.
Barrett did not have the best summer league performances. Some might consider them very sub-par, however, Barrett has loads of potential and he was the correct pick.
Nick Hauselman spoke with New York Post’s Marc Berman about Barrett’s summer league performance and it is not what fans wanted. Hauselman basically said that they were some good and bad for Barrett, which we all know. However, Barrett is “not the savior” of the Knicks.
Hauselman looked at all of Barrett’s 125 possessions and believes that he will be a good role player for the Knicks, but not the guy that changes the course of the franchise. He goes on saying Barrett rebounded well but played little defense.
Barrett appeared more confident taking defenders to the rim in the final two summer league game, but Hauselman thinks that he will not be blowing past people. Rightfully so, but the Canadian showed that he is capable of getting past players. Maybe not blowing past them, but he can create opportunities to do so.
Hauselman sees some ‘ugly’ moments when Barrett will try to take it to the rim, but doesn’t all rookies have ugly moments? Did Hauselman ever think that Barrett was nervous? People players perform poorly when nervous, especially when it is their first professional games.
The point is, again, Barrett is 19-years-old. Yes, there will be growing pains. But, saying that a 19-year-old is not the savior of an NBA franchise after four summer league games is stretch. We do not even know what or who Barrett is yet as a professional player.
Although, Hauselman did a very thorough and efficient job breaking down Barrett’s game. While he is correct to a degree, the rookie can be a cornerstone for this franchise going forward.
Barrett may or may not be the savior of the New York Knicks. But, it is wild to already put that kind of pressure or label on a kid playing in his first “warm-up” professional games. That determination should be made a few years in.