Knicks: A comprehensive breakdown of the first 20 games
Player Development
The Knicks crop of young players are still a work in progress, yet there has been legitimate growth from several players, to the point, where you can start to see a rookie extension in their futures. An oversimplified evaluation for each young asset would probably look something like this: RJ Barrett can finally SHOOT! Mitchell Robinson is still doing Mitchell Robinson things, but can’t hit a free throw. Kevin Knox is still a maddingly inconsistent player but has shown promise in a refined role. Obi Toppin moves as if he has cement in his shoes, but his passing and athleticism keeps you interested. And finally, Quickley has played so well, that fans want him in the starting lineup.
RJ Barrett:
The number three overall pick from the 2019 draft had an up and down start to the year, and some fans were calling for him to drop down to the G-league. But in his last eight games, Barrett is averaging 19.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on a 68.8 true shooting percentage. Improving from his previous marks at the 10-game interval, Barrett is now shooting over 42 percent from the field, 28 percent from the three-point line, and just over 75 percent from the free-throw line.
And while the 28 percent three-point percentage is still rough, Barrett is shooting 50 percent from deep during that eight-game stretch, and his confidence is sky-high.
Taking a look at all of RJ's threes, not a shot doctor at all, but definitely noticed different elbow placement on a make as opposed to a miss from the corner three clips. Feel like his lower-body positioning has been solid all year. pic.twitter.com/8h1fJSfNnj
— Geoffrey Campbell (@geoff_boy_ardee) January 30, 2021
Immanuel Quickley:
Quickley has risen in the hierarchy of Knicks’ fan’s favorite players. As a reserve, the Kentucky product has averaged just over 11 points per game and is shooting 39 percent from the field and just under 38 percent from the three-point line. However, amongst rookies, Quickley ranks 3rd in points per game, 6th in total points, 5th in total assists, and 5th in three-point shots made. The Knicks appear to have hit a homerun with the 25th pick in the draft; Quickley’s ability to hit floaters, stretch the defense, and bring energy to the second-unit, has been very valuable this season.
Overall, Quickley’s aggressiveness is my favorite part of his game. When he commits to driving the ball, finishing with his floater, he puts immense pressure on the defense.
I.Q.'s offensive arsenal is a thing of beauty. pic.twitter.com/VQFMCrHgxl
— Geoffrey Campbell (@geoff_boy_ardee) January 30, 2021
Quickley’s production has caused some to advocate for his placement in the starting lineup. It’s early, but for me, there is no rush to start Quickley, especially on a team that Vegas pegged for 22 wins before the start of the season. The move should be made at some point this season, but Quickley still needs to cut down his turnovers and needs to work on his shot selection.