NY Knicks: 3 positive takeaways from the 2021-22 season

2: New York found its franchise player

There were legitimate talks last season on whether or not the Knicks should look to move Barrett for a star point guard, most notably Damian Lilliard. The feeling was Barrett had shown signs of becoming a great player but hadn’t yet taken the steps necessary to get there.

With the team in playoff contention, many fans debated on whether or not the time was now for New York to sell their top young asset and rush to “contention.”

Lucky for us, the front office proved to have more patience than many of us, and in 2022, Barrett’s proved that he’s more than a future great player; he’s the legitimate cornerstone of the Knicks.

RJ Barrett had a huge third-year leap with the New York Knicks

While Randle struggled to find his groove in 2022, Barrett found his (and more). The third-year southpaw has been arguably snuffed below the hype of his fellow 2019 draft stars, Zion Williamson and Ja Morant, since entering the league.

Both Williamson and Morant solidified themselves as NBA stars early into their young careers, both finding All-Star appearances and making their franchises overnight contenders.

Eager to have the same success in New York, Barrett’s development was watched through a scrutinized lens as he failed to show the same immediate stardom as his draft companions.

Still just 21 years of age, Barrett’s younger than teammates Toppin and Grimes, who were both selected in the draft the year after Barrett. It’s fair to say that Barrett hadn’t been given the best chance of earning his place and 2022 was the opportunity he had been yearning for.

Barrett relished his opportunity to take over the franchise while Randle struggled. In the new calendar year, a more confident Barrett averaged 23.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.

An inconsistent 3-point threat, he greatly improved his ability from beyond the arch. But even more so, Barrett’s attacks to the rim were unbelievably confident. He expanded his range of playmaking as well, in lieu of the Knicks not having a true point guard this year.

RJ Barrett is a symbol of the New York Knicks

It was more than his on-court play that won over New York this year. Barrett proved he could stand up to the pressure and expectations of the city. He basked in team wins and remained determined during their losses.

He was a catalyst of their late-season win streak and put together multiple 30+ point appearances throughout the campaign.

And even though he didn’t play in the Knicks’ final game, and the season was far from what fans had hoped, it was Barrett who stood confidently on the Garden floor and addressed the fans:

That’s the spirit of a leader. That’s the embodiment of the player New York needs and deserves. The Knicks don’t own the greatest track record with their star players, but there is something inherently different about Barrett. In 2022, he proved he’s the player New York should be focusing on and building around.

In a dismal season filled with questions, Knicks fans can at least rest easy knowing who the leader of this team is going forward. New York has found their franchise player.