The New York Knicks FINALLY have their “Young Core”

New York Knicks: RJ Barrett projects to be a versatile 2-way wing

The centerpiece of all the team’s prospects is the 3rd overall pick from the 2019 draft, RJ Barrett. Barrett was been a highly talked about prospect since high school. He’s been in the spotlight for a few years now, and many believed he could be a franchise-changing player for whatever team landed him.

Right out of the gate, it wasn’t very clear-cut what Barrett would be in the NBA. Barrett had a solid rookie season, but there his impact wasn’t anywhere close to his draftmates Ja Morant and Zion Williamson and there was nothing reassuring that the Knicks would develop him properly.

Not long ago, a Knick by the name of Kevin Knox was named Rookie of The Month for December 2018 and was later selected to play in the Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star Weekend… the concerns for Barrett’s development were very real.

What’s encouraging for Knicks fans is how Barrett has responded to a tumultuous rookie season. Barrett has shown a determination to improve that not all rookies do when faced with adversity. Barrett’s maturity level is beyond his years, and it’s rubbed off on his ability on the court.

RJ Barrett has shown significant 2nd-year development. He plays heavy minutes for the Knicks and has a prominent role with the team. Fans couldn’t have asked for more from their 2nd-year prospect.

It’s hard for me to see Barrett ever becoming an elite, league-leading three-level scorer in the NBA, but that doesn’t mean he can’t become an All-Star caliber player one day. Barrett can impact the game in so many ways – guarding multiple positions, ball-handling and playmaking, and various ways of scoring within 10 feet of the rim. Barrett certainly belongs in this league and is a player that makes all of his teammates better.