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NY Knicks Draft: 3 Prospects to Watch during the Sweet 16

By Toby Jaffe

Mar 22, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; The Southern California Trojans bench reacts during the second half in the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament against the Kansas Jayhawks at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; The Southern California Trojans bench reacts during the second half in the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament against the Kansas Jayhawks at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /
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Scottie Barnes. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Scottie Barnes. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

NY Knicks: Scottie Barnes is a terrific playmaker

Scottie Barnes is a well-known name to NBA “draftniks” and those who keep up on college basketball recruiting and the High School game. Barnes, who has long been hyped up as a potential NBA star, was ranked #5 on the ESPN100 for 2020 and his commitment to Florida State in late 2019 was seen as a coup for that program. He is one of the most interesting prospects in the 2021 draft thanks to his size, defensive potential, and playmaking ability.

Experts and draft sites frequently compare Barnes to Draymond Green. Love or hate the controversial Warriors power forward, Barnes 2020-2021 stat-line is decidedly Draymond-like. Barnes has averaged 10 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.5 steals on 51 percent shooting. He can defend every position and plays with intensity and hustle.

However — while some see Draymond, another comparison that comes to mind is Ben Simmons. Like Simmons, Barnes is an excellent passer and runs the floor with the fluidity of a much smaller player. Also, like Simmons, but more unfortunate, Barnes is a dismal three-point shooter and not much better at the free-throw line. He’s shot just under 30 percent from beyond the arc on 1.6 attempts and is 62 percent from the line.

Indeed, Barnes’ shooting woes prevent him from universal top three consideration for now. In my mind, though, Barnes is absolutely one of the very best prospects in this draft. His playmaking, defense, and motor are what every NBA team dreams of. We’ve seen the impact players like Draymond Green and Ben Simmons and others can have without the ability to consistently make long-range shots. Besides, there’s always the chance Barnes could improve his shooting. At that point, you may very well have a perpetual MVP candidate.

The wing position is a big need for the NY Knicks. The Kevin Knox project has not gone well and Reggie Bullock and Alec Burks cannot be long-term cornerstones if this franchise is to contend for championships. Barnes could represent a fairly massive upgrade at the small forward/wing spot and would seamlessly fit into Thib’s system. Barnes is so promising, frankly, that the Knicks should consider trading up a few spots to take him.

You can see Scottie Barnes in action this Sunday when Florida State takes on top-seeded Gonzaga for a spot in the Elite 8.

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