The Knicks torch has been passed from Julius Randle to RJ Barrett
After their games against the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets, the New York Knicks have officially become RJ Barrett’s team. Despite again having playoff hopes thwarted by Trae Young, Barrett’s taken over as the team’s leader in Julius Randle’s injury absence.
Despite the loss, the 21-year-old looked like a leader all game against the Hawks and was still able to finish with 30 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists. Barrett stepped up to the challenge without Randle on the court and looked like a franchise player.
When the Knicks faced off against the Hornets in Charlotte the following night, Barrett again dropped 30 points, marking his third 30 point game in five games.
Barrett’s been the team’s best player since 2022 and has looked like an NBA superstar since the All-Star break, averaging 25 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. When Barrett was on the court, the ball movement looked great, and it showed that he has the potential to be the top player on a contending New York team.
I’ve been a longtime defender of Randle. I’m convinced that there’s more here than meets the eye, and it isn’t that he’s just forgotten how to play.
I believe that the former All-Star is a great third-best player on a championship team. If the Knicks want to trade him, I wouldn’t mind. However, he could also help Barrett as long as he’s willing to be the Robin to Barrett’s Batman.
I’ve been adamant that Barrett should be the first scoring option for New York. His confidence has grown, and he’s started to become a drive-first player and has been unstoppable going downhill.
The fact that he’s getting more comfortable as the team’s first option is very promising, as his game has taken a huge leap forwards. There’s also been more team basketball being played on offense than ever before.
The Knicks also succeed when Barrett is at his best. The team’s 7-4 when he’s scored 30+ points this season. With 11 30+ point games, he sits in 16th in the NBA.
New York’s better off with Barrett running the show. I also think that it’d be helpful for Randle to play as a second option, as it fits his style better. This season won’t have a happy ending, but Barrett’s emergence as a future All-Star is a great consolation prize.
