Knicks: 3 things to can learn from RJ Barrett’s Duke team
By Allen Settle
The Duke Blue Devils have provided the perfect blueprint for the New York Knicks to get the most out of RJ Barrett and Obi Toppin in 2021.
The New York Knicks entered the season with a new head coach, two promising rookies, and the best chance at a top pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. While it’s too early to say whether they will find a way to compete for one of the expanded playoff spots instead of the best lottery odds, after two weeks, New York might be the surprise of the NBA so far.
As the franchise attempts to capitalize on a chance to develop young stars RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, Mitchell Robinson, and others, there is one potential offensive blueprint that coach Tom Thibodeau should seriously consider utilizing.
Conveniently, it happens to come from someone Thidodeau has worked with closely as a part of Team USA: legendary Duke basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Coach K was able to get the very best out of current Knick RJ Barrett during his time as a member of the Blue Devils. Barrett also had a super athletic forward on that roster by the name of Zion Williamson.
Could the Knicks run a similar style of offense with their current collection of young players?
Here are three things they should try to mimic.