Knicks: 3 ways to unlock New York’s offensive potential

3) Let RJ run the point

The least likely of the 3 options, but by far my favorite. I’m going to run this idea into the ground until it happens. Nothing would make me happier than one day being able to watch RJ shoot around 35% from deep, surrounding him with three more competent shooters, and letting RJ be the main facilitator on offense.

This would allow RJ to play like an undersized Giannis with a jumper, and that would just be so much fun to watch. His slashing ability combined with a league-average 3-point shot would make RJ one of the more dangerous weapons in the NBA. Pair that with allowing him to attack the rim with good spacing to kick it out to a number of different knockdown shooters would make the Knicks a force to be reckoned with for the next decade.

Let’s say Thibs decided to let RJ Barrett play the point this season — this would obviously relegate Elfrid Payton to the bench and bring Immanuel Quickley into the starting lineup.

Quickley would play more of an off-ball role at the 2-spot and be a secondary ball-handler alongside Julius Randle. The Knicks could keep Bullock at the 3-spot for his defense, but seeing how his deep range shooting has been a bit streaky, Thibs may opt to put a better shooter in his place such as Alec Burks or Kevin Knox.

Those two moves, along with Julius Randle’s much-improved shooting this season, would surround RJ with just enough spacing for this concept to work out. Barrett averaged just shy of 5 assists per game in college, so we know the Knicks could look to run an offense through him as he gets older and his basketball I.Q. increases.

In my opinion, trial by fire would be the way to go so tossing RJ to the wolves sooner than later may just be what Thibs decides to do.