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Grading key Knicks players through first half of 2022-23 season

By Desmond Novack

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 6: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks gestures against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on January 6, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 6: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks gestures against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on January 6, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /
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RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, New York Knicks. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, New York Knicks. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

RJ Barrett: B+

Previous Grade: C

It’s pretty impressive how much better RJ Barrett has looked since we previously graded him. While his season total box score stats may not be anything crazy, his last stretch of games before getting injured were nothing short of fantastic.

In Barrett’s last 17 games, he is averaging 22.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 46.2% from the field and 41.3% from three on 5.4 attempts per game. Ever since recovering from his illness, Barrett has been playing at a near All-Star level and fans have been loving it.

The Knicks have needed Barrett to step up big time this year in order to help propel them back into the playoffs and outside of that five-game stretch where Barrett was sick, he has. Don’t get me wrong, Barrett hasn’t been perfect, hence his B+ grade, but at this point, it’s safe to say he’s been playing very well.

Hopefully, once Barrett returns from his finger injury he won’t have a cold stretch and will be right back into form because he was a huge reason for the Knicks’ success before getting injured.

Julius Randle: A+

Previous Grade: B

What a turnaround this season has been for Julius Randle, who had a very rough 2021-22 season that left many fans hoping for a trade. With the way Randle has played recently, it seems like he may be here for a while unless things turn back around.

In 40 games, Randle is averaging 24.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 46.2% from the field and 35.0% from behind the arc on 7.7 attempts. You can make a genuine argument that this current season from Randle is better than his All-NBA year in 2020-21, especially with his play as of late.

Randle has been playing the best basketball of his career recently, putting the Knicks on his back offensively while also playing some rather solid defense. This turnaround out of Randle is exactly what New York needed this season to make the playoffs.

A big part of Randle’s resurgence has to do with Brunson as not only does Brunson’s playmaking abilities open the floor up more for Randle, but there is also a ton of pressure taken off of him to carry the offense.

Whenever Randle isn’t hitting, he can rely on Brunson and vice versa. And then when you add in Barrett? That is a recipe for an elite offensive trio that can push this Knicks squad back into the playoffs and hopefully give some big-time teams some trouble.

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