Knicks Draft: Realistically re-drafting New York’s last 10 first round picks
Re-draft of the 2019 NBA Draft for the Knicks: RJ Barrett
Knicks pick: 1st Round, Pick 3
Actual player selected: RJ Barrett
It has been a little over a year since the Knicks selected RJ Barrett in the 2019 NBA draft, and his rookie season was a rollercoaster, to say the least. Most of it was not his fault, as he was put in a horrible situation. New York lacked floor spacing around RJ, benched him at times for veteran options, and fired head coach David Fizdale 22 games into his career.
His 14.3 points per game were the third most among rookies this season, but his efficiency and jump shot remain an issue. The Knicks have to surround him with talent and tailor the offense to his skills as a slasher before making a reasoned judgment on his play and future outlook.
It is tough to evaluate his rookie season, but compared to the other rookies in his class, RJ flashed some significant potential that warrants being a top pick in the 2019 draft.