3 Reasons The NY Knicks Can Return to Being a Top Defense

RJ Barrett has improved drastically on defense for the NY Knicks

Here I go again, talking about RJ Barrett.

Barrett has become the Knicks’ defensive stopper this season, and time and time again, he looks excellent in this role.

Barrett guards the best wing on the opposing team pretty much nightly and there have been times he has just consumed his matchup.

On opening day against Boston, Barrett had Jayson Tatum completely locked down with no answer for the strength and determination of Barrett.

I’ve seen many parts of Barrett’s game that reminds me of Jimmy Butler.

He also gives his defenders hell on the offensive side of the ball, and though his stats do not always jump out, you can see his impact on his team.

Both Barrett and Butler are not the fastest wings in the league, but they make up for that with incredible strength.

Barrett also forced Zach LaVine to have one of his worst games of the season when the Knicks lost to the Bulls.

Lavine shot 7/20 and 0/5 from deep while being the only starter with a negative +/-, while also having the second-worst defensive rating out of every player on the Bulls that game.

What I’m trying to say is at the young age of 21, Barrett has learned how to successfully become a defensive stopper for a coach who is more demanding than anyone on defense.

It cannot be overlooked that Barrett is a great defender now after not being a great defender as a rookie and coming into the NBA expected to be a defensive liability.

He is a massive part of the Knicks’ success both on offense and defense.

They’ll need Barrett’s ability as a defensive stopper if they want to return a top defense again this year.