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New York Knicks: 3 Ways RJ Barrett can break out of his slump

By Zachary Bachar

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 30: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks stands on the court during a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on October 30, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 30: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks stands on the court during a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on October 30, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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RJ Barrett, New York Knicks. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

New York Knicks: RJ Barrett must get to the rim

Barrett has attempted to expand his game this year which is a good sign, but he needs to focus on attacking the basket on nights when his shot isn’t falling. His recent poor stretch has caused his overall field goal percentage to drop down to 38.8% on the season, and it isn’t hard to see why.

He’s attempted only 8.5 shot attempts per game from two-point range compared to 10.4 per game from last season.

Additionally, 40% of his total shot attempts on the year have been threes after never breaking 30% in each of his two prior seasons. He’s settling for shots from behind the arc way too often, and it’s hurting his overall game.

Barrett has mightily improved his jumper from his college days, but he’s not polished enough to solely rely on his three-point shooting for offense just yet.

He’s taking just 32.1% of his total shot attempts from 0-3 feet away from the basket, which is currently a career-low mark. He’s shooting 60% from that range, so it would be wise for him to increase his volume at the rim while refusing to settle for threes most of the time.

If he starts getting to the rim at a high rate, it’ll result in more easy buckets and help boost both RJ’s individual stats and the Knicks’ chances of winning simultaneously.

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