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Knicks: 3 things to can learn from RJ Barrett’s Duke team

By Allen Settle

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 19: Head coach Mike Krzyzewski talks with RJ Barrett #5 of the Duke Blue Devils during their game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 19, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 72-70. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 19: Head coach Mike Krzyzewski talks with RJ Barrett #5 of the Duke Blue Devils during their game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Cameron Indoor Stadium on January 19, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 72-70. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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3) Quicken the Pace

One way that Coach Krzyzewski was able to set up his star athletics for easy buckets and highlight dunks was by speeding up their pace of play. The 2018-2019 Duke team ranked 35th out of 353 total teams in pace of play. Amongst tournament teams that season, they were the fourth fastest team.

This would be one of the bigger adjustments for Thibodeau. Historically, the former Bulls and Wolves coach is known for a slower, more defensively oriented style of play. However, considering the Knicks roster is comprised mostly of young, developing, athletes, it may be a useful strategy.

Conclusion

The 2020 New York Knicks would be foolish to ignore a clear blueprint for offensive success.  The best incarnation of Barrett we have ever seen was during his college stint at Duke. One also has to imagine that the best versions of Toppin and Robinson involve the two stars cutting hard to the basket and finishing above the rim.

If the Knicks can also use what we expect to be an improved defense to force turnovers and get out on the fast break, each young star could see even more opportunities for easy baskets. I, for one, would be thrilled to see a season full of highlight dunks and above-rim finishes.

Next. Is Julius Randle really transformed?. dark

If the Knicks are indeed focusing on building through future drafts, what better way could the team to develop their current players while keeping a poor season as interesting as possible then by copying Coach K’s path to success?

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