The R.J. Barrett experience to start the new league year has been quite rough. He’s currently shooting below 40 percent from the field for a Knicks team that is simply not living up to whatever expectations we had for that team. But, again, we shouldn’t normally read too far into 20-odd games. He was splendid the last couple of seasons and there’s reason to believe he can return to form eventually.
In many ways, the 6-foot-6 Barrett is built for the modern NBA. He has shown real playmaking ability on the wing. He’s strong and explosive, which translates to switchability on the defensive end. The 3-point shot, when it’s there, complements his ability to rumble downhill and attack the rim. He has the makings of an efficient inside-out scorer who can create for others and defend across the positional spectrum.
Not all the pieces have fallen into place yet. Barrett’s success rate beyond the arc tends to fluctuate. His shot selection isn’t as clean and precise as you’d like. The defense is there in moments, but he doesn’t commit 100 percent to that side of the ball. At the end of the day, however, Barrett is a 22-year-old former top recruit who does have all the pieces. His myriad flaws cannot be ignored, but the upside is undeniable. There’s a very complete two-way star buried somewhere beneath the surface.
Can the Knicks unearth that two-way star? Who knows — that franchise is a perpetual disaster, always one step forward and two steps back. I’m not sure Tom Thibodeau is the player development savant New York needs, nor has Julius Randle been the best complement to Barrett’s skill set in the last couple of years. But we have seen enough from the No. 3 overall pick to retain long-term confidence. He’s a physical slasher with the potential to be much, much more.