NY Knicks: Which 2022 NBA player awards can they win?
By James Ryder
NY Knicks pick for Most Improved Player: RJ Barrett
A couple of days ago, I laid out the three Knicks players who I thought had a shot at succeeding Julius Randle for Most Improved Player. RJ Barrett was among those three. I said it there and I’ll say it again; not only do I think Barrett has the best shot at the award amongst Knicks players, but I think he should be the favorite for the award league-wide.
After all, “Year 2” Barrett made positive improvements in almost every baseline statistical category. His PPG, RBG, APG, FG% and attempts, 3P% and attempts, and FT% all increased while his turnovers went down. Now imagine what “Year 3” Barrett will look like.
The hype amongst Knicks fans for Year 3 Barrett is REAL. Naturally, many fans on social media have gone to bat for Barrett against the somehow endless amount of casuals and haters who disrespect (that word might not do it justice in describing how badly some people slander RJ) him. These events online have only heightened the excitement for Barrett going into his third professional season.
Some think Barrett will ascend to becoming a first-time all-star in 2022. Yours truly believes he will further establish himself as one of the leagues best two-way players.
Whatever your take might be, no one is wrong to think that this is just the beginning for RJ. If he sees an upward trajectory similar to his sophomore campaign, then the sky is the limit for him, MIP Award included.