NY Knicks: Comparing RJ Barrett’s 2nd season to Jimmy Butler’s 3rd

Jimmy Butler’s 3rd season vs NY Knicks’ RJ Barrett’s 2nd season

Seeing how Tom Thibodeau is notorious for not playing his young players, the fact that it took until year 3 for Jimmy Butler to get out of Thibs’ doghouse while RJ Barrett is averaging 35 minutes per night in year 2 speaks volumes.

Butler really didn’t get his shot to show what he was about until year 3 as I mentioned and he really made the most of his opportunity.

After averaging just 8.6 points per game, Jimmy really blew it up in year 3 to the tune of 13 points, 3 assists, and 5 rebounds per game.

His shooting efficiencies weren’t the best, shooting under 40% from the field and 28% from 3-point range, but he was one of Thibs’ go-to guys.

He averaged nearly 39 minutes per contest and was an absolute menace on the defensive side, guarding the best offensive player on the wing nightly.

Although he lost a chunk of games that season due to injuries, he really showed what he was capable of becoming one day.

Year 3 was a precursor to Jimmy’s first All-Star appearance in year 4 where he upped his averages across the board.

Butler averaged 20 points, 2 steals, 3 assists, and 6 rebounds per game.

He also increased his field goal percentage to 46% and his 3-point shooting to 38%.

Really took that big jump he needed to establish himself as a true star in the league.

Makes you think…

RJ Barrett’s numbers this season aren’t terribly too far off from Jimmy’s year 3 numbers at all.