New York Knicks: 2019 NBA Mock Draft, All-Star break edition
F. Duke. RJ Barrett. 2. player. 27.
The second of the Duke stars, RJ Barrett once looked like the top pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Maybe that becomes the case but, for now, he’s the New York Knicks’ guy at No. 2 overall. That might upset fans that want Zion Williamson in the blue and orange, but this isn’t a weak alternative.
The Knicks own the second-highest lottery odds after their win over the Atlanta Hawks, that snapped their franchise-record 18-game losing streak. It also removed them from the NBA’s cellar by a half game.
Barrett is as intriguing a scorer as anyone in this draft class. He’s a slashing 6-foot-6 guard that can profile as a wing, taking over a team’s offense, especially with 22.7 points for the Blue Devils. That’s even with Williamson and Cam Reddish’s presences.
At 6-foot-9, the Canadian star will be a fine defender in the NBA. He’s a quality athlete, as well.
A role as the alpha dog has not been perfect, however. He shoots 44.8 percent from the field and 33.5 percent on three-pointers. It’s only as an 18 year old and there’s too much time to develop this future top-five pick’s game, but efficiency was a question before this college season started.
Still, Barrett fits into a team that has young pieces, including Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson. Add a superstar free agent to the mix, and it’s a quality group in place to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference. Dennis Smith Jr., Barrett, Kevin Durant, Knox and Robinson possesses some upside as a lineup.