3. RJ Barrett, Duke
Age: 19
Height, Weight: 6-foot-7, 208 pounds
Slash Line: .457/.304/.662
Season Averages: 22.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 1.9 3PM
RJ Barrett remains in the top three out of principle than anything, since his stock rode high for most of the season. His flaws have showcased, however, with some difficult nights.
The last five games of the season, including the ACC Tournament, showcased a turnover-prone Barrett. He totaled 24 turnovers in this span, with 14 of them after Williamson returned from injury. There was also a 5-for-15 game in between, against North Carolina, when he missed seven three-pointers and made just two.
Outside shooting is Barrett’s weakness, and it’s a concern for someone as aggressive as him offensively, although the other talent can’t be avoided.
Without Williamson, the Canadian freshman had 24.8 points on 49.5 percent shooting. He dominated the ball, so 4.0 turnovers per game followed suit to 5.4 assists, and a 3-2 record resulted; 3-3 if the first UNC game where Williamson was hurt just seconds in counts. Before that, the Blue Devils lost just twice.
Is that all Barrett? No, but indicative of how much one player meant.
Someone will take Barrett in the top five and allow him a top spot on an offense. He has Robin potential to a Batman scorer, but it may take time to arrive, as development ensues with learning how to become an efficient player. He’d be ball-dominant on the New York Knicks, though, that’s for sure.