Daily Knicks
Fansided

NY Knicks: 3 goals Tom Thibodeau should set for RJ Barrett

By Vivek Dadhania

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 10: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks dribbles past Troy Brown Jr. #6 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 10, 2020 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 10: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks dribbles past Troy Brown Jr. #6 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 10, 2020 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 04: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks in action against the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden (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 the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

2) Help RJ Barrett include the Euro Step into his repertoire

RJ Barrett struggled mightily with his shooting percentages on the offensive end. As mentioned earlier, he has a propensity to take difficult and highly contested baskets near the rim. This was ever so evident when he shot a paltry 32.6% with a defender within 2 feet of him. While better floor spacing can garner faster results, one suggestion might be re-acclimating himself with the Euro Step.

Barrett used the Euro Step to stymie defenders more frequently in his high school days and at Duke. However, Barrett didn’t incorporate the Euro Step much during the regular season. Ironically, his first bucket as a Knick did come off that move against the Spurs:

The Euro Step allows a player like Barrett to get to the rim more effectively. Barrett can use the hesitation and change in direction to move away from traffic in the paint. This, in turn, can help improve his efficiency around the paint.

Fortunately, Barrett has plenty of players he can study for inspiration. He can immediately reach out to Steve Nash, his godfather, but it may behoove him to watch tape of his fellow lefty Manu Ginobili. Barrett has the body control and footwork to make the Euro Step a patented move in his offensive arsenal. It can only make his a greater threat on the offensive end.

Home/Knicks News