NY Knicks: In Derrick Rose’s Absence, RJ Barrett Must Have an Increased Role

NY Knicks‘ point guard Derrick Rose was sorely missed in last night’s 134-101 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.  And unfortunately for the Knicks, Coach Tom Thibodeau does not know when the former MVP will be cleared from Health and Safety Protocols (per NY Post).

RJ Barrett was the sole bright spot for the Knicks, posting 22 points with 5 rebounds in only 29 minutes. It is increasingly clear: for the Knicks not to fall out of the playoff picture in Rose’s absence, RJ Barrett will be key.

Per Statmuse, Barrett is averaging 17 points and 5.3 rebounds in his last 27 games.  He’s shooting 48.9% from the field and 46% from three on 2.8 attempts in that span.  Last year, he attempted 3.5 threes per game. His shot selection improves every day.

Barrett’s ability to shoot off the catch is essential to playing with Julius Randle.  Randle loves to drive and kick, as he is doubled in the post and shows off his improved passing abilities.

Reggie Bullock cannot be the sharpshooter in a playoff team’s starting five.  RJ Barrett can.

The NY Knicks need more playmaking with Derrick Rose out

While Rose is also shooting well from three, making 45% of his attempts this season for New York, the team has missed his playmaking abilities more than anything.

He fit like a glove into the offense.   He can create his own shot and is always looking for an open teammate.  Per NBA.com, his assist ratio is 26.2%.  His fellow point guards Elfrid Payton and Immanuel Quickley are posting only 20% and 16.4%, respectively.

Mike Yorkunov of The Athletic notes that Barrett’s playmaking abilities have improved this season as well.  He writes that Barrett “is passing more out of his drives.”  He references when Barrett recorded 5 assists on March 4th’s 114-101 win over the Pistons, all of which came “after he got into the paint but sought out teammates instead of his own shot.”

Barrett will be much more than your typical 3 and D player.

Much to the dismay of many Knicks fans, it is evidently clear that Elfrid Payton will continue to start at point guard.

Coach Tom Thibodeau loves veterans and consistency, as Payton has started every game he’s been available for this season.

As Knicks fans clamor for more Quickley minutes, Thibodeau has shown restraint.  Asking the rookie to pick up the slack as Rose sits would put him in a position to fail.  He is a shoot-first player who at times has shown poor shot selection. It may require a little patience, but Quickley’s time will come.

Rose’s absence compounds the Knicks’ grueling second-half schedule.  The team will reset and face the Oklahoma City Thunder tomorrow, a game they need to win before facing the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets in back-to-back days.

It may be sooner than expected, but Barrett’s time is now.