New York Knicks: Can R.J. Barrett become the engine of the offense?

Can RJ Barrett power the New York Knicks offense?

The main topic of conversation this offseason has focused on whom the New York Knicks should acquire to run their offense: Chris Paul, Mike Conley Jr., or Fred VanVleet. While there are differing opinions on that choice, one thing everyone agrees on is the importance of developing the young players already on the roster, specifically RJ Barrett.

As I mention in the my last article, ‘How the Knicks can build a championship roster‘, the Knicks need R.J. to develop into a borderline all-star while he is still on his rookie scale contract. After a so-so rookie campaign, expectations for Barrett’s second season are going to be ratcheted up. The good thing is that R.J. is built for the challenge. His own expectations are higher than anyone else’s.

But the question remains, if the Knicks don’t acquire any of the names mentioned above, will Barrett be able to lead the team? Speaking honestly, it doesn’t appear so. It’s a lot to ask a 20-year-old to be the ‘engine‘ of the  team’s offense. But if there is someone that you don’t want to bet against, it’s Barrett. He has been proving the doubters wrong every step along his basketball journey.

The main critique of R.J. is that he doesn’t possess the athletic ability necessary to be a star and that he is best suited to be a secondary player. While that is fair criticism when you consider who have been the game’s best players, it doesn’t mean it’s not possible. There have been current and past players that weren’t great athletes that have led their teams to success. Let’s examine a few.