Knicks 2019 Draft Analysis: Grading the six best back-up plans

2. R.J. Barrett

It feels unfair that R.J. Barrett has been relegated to a consolation prize in this year’s draft, but the consensus second-best player available has definitely been putting up impressive numbers, even if his teammate has been hogging the spotlight. Averaging 23.8 points, 4.1assists and 6.8 rebounds this season, Barrett has shown the ability to be a devastating scorer in college.

Though touted as more of a playmaker and point-forward coming in, his assist-turnover ratio has been less than impressive, but his ability to drive the lane and get to the line has been something to behold (5.9 free throw attempts per game).

With the New York Knicks in need of a true shot-creator and perimeter scoring threat besides Kristaps Porzingis, Barrett would be a player I’m sure fans could all be happy about. The only potential downside is that his recent string of shot-happy performances could be more indicative of a change in play-style than a change in circumstance. But hopefully playing Robin to Porzingis’ Batman won’t make Barrett feel the need to chuck it up in order to get out of his shadow.

Grade: A-