Knicks: 3 Players Julius Randle is helping to get better

Knicks’ RJ Barrett has made significant progress

RJ Barrett is arguably the player who needed to improve most this season for the Knicks. While his performance last year was not bad by any means and he did absolutely deserve to be on an All-Rookie team, it was not what you hoped for from a number three overall pick.

Barrett going from Duke where he had Zion Williamson and Cam Reddish to pick him up when he needed it, then coming to the Knicks was not going to be an easy task. He needed that someone to help take the load off his shoulders when his shot wasn’t falling.

Barrett is best at attacking the rim and being aggressive, he was never a spot-up shooter, and oftentimes last year you found him watching Randle dribble in circles with no purpose on the perimeter waiting for the ball. As a result, his confidence plummeted and he seemed lost more times than not on the court.

Now that Julius Randle is playing like he is, you can see how it is affecting Barrett’s game. The trust they have in each other has been huge, they seem to always know where each other are on the court and Randle is more willing to give up the ball.

Barrett’s second year has been much better, he is averaging more points, rebounds, assists, and his free throw percentage has greatly improved. While his shooting still needs to be worked on overall, he and Randle look to be developing a strong partnership that the Knicks can build on.