Age: 19
Height, Weight: 6-foot-7, 208 pounds
Slash Line: .454/.308/.665
Season Averages: 22.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 4.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 1.9 3PM
While the New York Knicks hoped for his teammate, RJ Barrett is not poor compensation, especially as one of the nation’s top players over the past six months. He was crossed over as the No. 1 guy, but it does not mean NBA success can’t arrive.
A streaky slash line and questionable shot selection marred part of Barrett’s star power. It pushed him to the clear No. 2, while Cameron Reddish separated himself as the third guy for the wrong reasons.
However, Barrett’s positives still stand out amongst the pack. He is a dynamic slasher and scorer around the rim, creating havoc with a left hand that can bypass most defenders. It is his dominant hand by far, and if the right side can approach that ability, the Canadian frosh will be one of the NBA’s best finishers.
Outside shooting is a problem. While Barrett made 1.9 three-pointers, it was on over six attempts per game at just 30.8 percent. Honing that shot will make him a more efficient player, and the proper coaching from David Fizdale can do such a thing. Playing alongside star talents will, of course, limit those shot-taking opportunities, anyway.
Barrett has the chance to become the best scorer of the players available at No. 3. Perhaps he averages more than Zion Williamson in a future season. There is still a high ceiling, despite the downsides, and at just 19 years old, opportunities lie ahead for fine-tuning.