NY Knicks: Why RJ Barrett should be the 2nd scoring option

RJ Barrett is the NY Knicks Franchise Player

Despite not being the team’s best player, Barrett is still the Knicks franchise player.  A home-grown 3rd overall pick who has shown perennial all-star potential is more important than anyone on this NY Knicks roster.

Before anyone says it, I love Julius Randle. This is not an anti-Randle take. I love Randle more than most Knicks fans. I never thought Randle was bad and blamed former coach David Fizdale, also known as “man who pretended to be bald just to grow an afro during the pandemic,” for the lack of spacing and making Randle uncomfortable.

Honestly, I love RJ Barrett to a fairly weird amount. I’m certainly a Stan for RJ. As much as I do love Randle, I love RJ more. Also, regardless, Barrett is 5 years younger and is the epitome of the Knicks timeline.

The NY Knicks signed Julius Randle to a massive contract extension, locking him in until 2027.  However, it still feels like Barrett is their long-term guy.

I truly do not believe Randle will get traded, but I would not be shocked if he eventually starts shooting less and focuses more on a playmaking role if Barrett continues his scoring improvement.

Barrett was the face of the franchise last year when most of us assumed Randle would get traded. Though Randle became the face of the Knicks’ success, this is still a team built for the NBA of tomorrow.

By all means, Barrett looks as if he is getting closer to Knicks stardom as the days go by. New York is an up-and-coming team, and Barrett looks like he will be the leader in a few seasons when the young guys start to seriously develop into their prime.