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New York Knicks: Unlocking RJ Barrett’s star potential

By Adam Kester

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 28: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks looks on after the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 28, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 28: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks looks on after the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 28, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 04: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks in action against Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden on March 04, 2020 in New York City. The Jazz defeated the Knicks 112-104. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 04: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks in action against Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden on March 04, 2020 in New York City. The Jazz defeated the Knicks 112-104. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Shooting

The attribute that’s been put under a microscope. RJ Barrett has struggled to find a consistent jump shot all season long, but there is hope.

Let’s start with the elephant in the room: His free throw shooting. He’s shooting a worrisome 61% on the season. Barrett has had stretches where he’s been able to shoot free throws at respectable percentages.

He shot 74 percent in January and even reached 76% percent in the 6 games played in March.

Consistency is the key, and there’s one simple adjustment Barrett can make that could improve his free throw shooting: Lowering his load point. When Barrett shoots his free throws, he loads the ball high and around his chest.

(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

In the photo above, you can see Barrett is loading the ball up high and away from his body. Almost every great free throw shooter loads the ball lower and around their belly, allowing them to have more power on their shot.

Barrett already has a nice touch and followthrough on his shot. In fact, when shoots jump shots he loads the ball low to his belly and has a fluid motion throughout. Take a look at the clip below.

I’m certainly not worried about Barrett ability to hit the open 3. He’s been making strides all season long and has shot open 3s at an outstanding 43 percent post-All-Star break.

What he does need to improve on is his shooting off the dribble. Barrett has great body control when attacking the rim, but he needs to have a stronger balance going into a jump shot off the bounce.

If he can put in the work and add a step-back to his arsenal, it would do wonders for his game.

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