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New York Knicks: 5 players for RJ Barrett to study during suspended play

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 29: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks smiles in the final minute of the game against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on February 29, 2020 in New York City.The New York Knicks defeated the Chicago Bulls 125-115.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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 29: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks smiles in the final minute of the game against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on February 29, 2020 in New York City.The New York Knicks defeated the Chicago Bulls 125-115.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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 17: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after the Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 17, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 17: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after the Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 17, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Kobe Bryant

This one may be obvious, but no shooting guard had more impressive fundamentals than the late great Kobe Bryant. His footwork was impeccable, his release point was textbook, and his contributions could be found in every phase of the game.

The fact that he was a five-time NBA champion and two-time Finals MVP suggests that studying his skill set may just help a player succeed.

Bryant’s footwork should be the primary focus here, as it allowed him to score at all three levels. He could drive and finish either below or above the rim, knowing exactly how to position himself to both avoid the defense and remain in line with the basket.

Bryant was also one of the best post scorers in NBA history, using his footwork and body control to create space and bury turnarounds and up-and-unders at will.

From midrange, Bryant ranks amongst the greatest ever. That shot may be a dying breed in today’s NBA, but Kawhi Leonard used it to win a championship as recently as 2019, and Barrett shouldn’t disregard it as a genuine asset.

Throw in the fact that Bryant is one of the greatest defenders in the history of the 2-spot, and Barrett should take as much time as he needs to study The Black Mamba’s greatness.

Rest In Peace, legend.

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