To anyone is Knick’s world the RJ Barrett snub of either all-rookie team was caused by the changing goal posts the media likes to hit to fit their new numbers on judging rookies against each other without comparing their teams & situations like all their opportunities is equal. Him not being on that team doesn’t change the reality of him being one of the 10 best rookies last year. He’s still at least the 3rd best player in that draft and I will touch on the stretch RJ was putting together before the shut down, and the added parts to his game we see already in the preseason.
This isn’t MVP numbers by any means but just to give the full context and my opinion having watched all his tape from his rookie year and his early preseason games. During his last month of play (12 games) RJ averaged 17/4.5/2.8 on 44% (6.33/14.42) from the field, 28% (1.25/4.17) from distance, and 64% (3.16/4.75) from the line. Due to the shutdown and subsequent outcomes of COVID, it was the longest offseason for non-playoff teams in a non-lockout year, obsessive basketball players are likely to see larger than usual improvements in their games. It’s also important to understand his position and the archetype of his growth to the modern game is that of Lebron-Lite.
To what degree and to what people would actually accept that is one thing but moving forward to Lebron’s 19 year-old season, he posted higher numbers (because he’s Lebron), but there are noticeable similarities to their game and their percentages. Lebron’s rookie numbers are 21/5.5/5.9 on 44% (7.9/18.9) from the field, 29% (.8/2.7) from three, and 75% (4.4/5.8) from the line. Cleveland also went 35-47 his rookie year as well. It’s also important that Mike Miller (an actual coach) the Knicks were playing at a 33 win-pace. That would be more reflective of the Knicks teams play since we’re removing Fizdale’s “coaching.” If you believe other wise you must not have been watching. Fiz aside, the percentages are very similar and the numbers for that stretch are Lebron-like on less production and usage. Lebron could handle that usage and is a better creator and player but he was also given the keys to the offense where in RJ’s case, he’s not able to run the offense with Payton in tow.
Now to look at RJ’s first two preseason games, there’s even a further context to those numbers since he missed his first six shots. He finished his first game on 7/10 and then put up 10/17 the following game. He showed an improved decision making, cleaned up his mid-game pull-back and hit 5 of his first 7 free throw attempts (71%). I cannot imagine Payton being on the team past the trade deadline with how he and RJ are players that clash on the floor. When and if he’s traded will greatly impact RJ’s ability to produce and have more of an opportunity to create and learn how to better facilitate. Part of his growth will be in opportunity given, but with enough caveats, RJ can seriously surprise the league coming. My prediction is he’ll average 20/6/4 shooting 47% (9/19) from the field, 33% (1.4/4.2) from beyond the arc. If he can average 6 free throw attempts, which he averaged in college, and convert 68-70% from the line, he could even push his points total closer to 22/23 a game. Comparing that against his actual rookie averages of 14.3/5/2.6 and what he seems capable of if given the additional responsibility with his visible improvements it would be hard to ignore the possibility for the most improved player. Adding in the chip on his shoulder being left off the All-Rookie teams meaning most of NBA discourse is down on RJ. Flipping that perspective would also give those same minds a narrative to go along with the numbers for Most Improved Player.
Knicks, Pics, & Politics 