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3 reasons Knicks will be improved and compete in the East in 2022-23

By Josh Wiesel

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 25: RJ Barrett #9 and Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks celebrate at the end of the game against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on March 25, 2022 in Miami, Florida.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 Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 25: RJ Barrett #9 and Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks celebrate at the end of the game against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on March 25, 2022 in Miami, Florida.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 Eric Espada/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, RJ Barrett
RJ Barrett, New York Knicks. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

2. RJ Barrett makes a leap

Arguably the biggest needle mover to the Knicks 2022-23 season is RJ Barrett. Barrett, the Knicks’ third overall selection in the 2019 draft, will be going into an important fourth season.

After hearing his name being dangled in Donovan Mitchell trade talks, the Knicks proved their loyalty to the 22-year-old by signing him to a four-year, $120 million extension this offseason.

Last season, RJ saw a dip in percentages as his shots and usage rate increased from the 2020-21 season. Dropping from 40.1% on threes in 2020-21 to 34.2% from deep in 2021-22 is a tad concerning, but it was the first time that he was expected to facilitate the offense. Sometimes young players get overwhelmed, and that could’ve been the case with Barrett.

It wasn’t all negative, as he raised his points from 17.6 in year two to 20 per game in year three. He also raised his free throw attempts from 3.8 to 5.8, a key stat that shows he was being more aggressive. Barrett finished 12th in free throws attempted per game last season while teammate Julius Randle tied for 14th.

The stats don’t always tell the story, though. His percentages might’ve gone down and he only raised his points per game by three, but RJ showed to be more of a complete player last season. Was he asked to do too much at times? Perhaps, which is why Brunson was brought in to run a more fluid offense.

RJ Barrett should continue to raise his points per game this season. The arrival of Brunson and hopefully a resurgence season from Randle should help take pressure off of RJ. He should no longer have to run the whole offense like he attempted to do in 2020-21.

He should be New York’s go-to scorer this season and with an increase in percentages, RJ averaging 25 points in 2022-23 is not a crazy statement, but it’s an expectation.

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