Marcus Morris

New York Knicks: RJ Barrett explains his biggest challenge as a rookie

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New York Knicks, RJ Barrett

There is no question that New York Knicks‘ third overall pick from the 2019 NBA draft, RJ Barrett, will need time to develop and refine his skill set as a professional basketball player. Barrett enters the NBA is one of the most highly touted college prospects, coming out of Duke. He took a second fiddle role to Zion Williamson who took over collegiate basketball by storm, but RJ still has the capabilities to develop into a top-notch player at the next level.

Notes from the first training practice for the New York Knicks:

During the Knicks’ first practice, Barrett was asked about the physicality of the NBA and how difficult it will be to adapt.

“We got the vets here — big, strong guys, definitely a different level of physicality,’’ Barrett said Tuesday, via the NY Post. “I’m going to get used to it. I’ve got a good body.’’

Facing off against veterans like Julius Randle and Marcus Morris in practice will undoubtedly help Barrett not only grow as a player but as a teammate. The offensive side of the ball comes naturally to Barrett but stopping players on the defensive front will be a challenge, as it is for those rookies.

“Really right now I’m working my tail off on the defensive end,’’ Barrett said. “I’m just trying to get better there. Coach always wants a defensive guy on the court, you know? So if I could do that starting out. … It’s funny. If you’re smart on how you do things and keep your movements precise, that will even give you an advantage or help you keep up with a stronger guy.’’

However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t categories that he needs to work on in regards to his offense. Barrett’s three-point shooting was well below average at Duke (30.8%). During the summer league, he shot just 23% from behind the arc — considering the additional length at the professional level. Adjusting to the difference in court size and player quality in the NBA is undoubtedly a hurdle Barrett will need to leap over, but he has the support and athleticism to do so.

New York Knicks: A modest Media Day

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The New York Knicks Media Day was rather tame this year.  Not many are expecting big things from the team after a 17-win season last year, but there is a different feel this time around.

Besides the leaders of the team, not many players spoke to the media.  Julius Randle, Dennis Smith Jr., Marcus Morris and Kevin Knox were the headliners, along with rookie RJ Barrett.

Julius Randle

Randle spoke on behalf of Mitchell Robinson and is very happy that Mitch is now on his team because he did not go against him again.  One of the biggest things that Randle mentioned that he was “a leader of this team.”  Without even playing a game, he is without a doubt the leader in the clubhouse.  Randle displayed leadership qualities already by mentioning he is going to push Robinson even harder since he has that freak-ish talent.

Marcus Morris

Morris sat with Randle and answered questions.  If there are Knicks fans out there that are not fans of Morris yet, then watch this clip.  Again, Morris is that player that you hate to play against, but love when he is on your side.

He is finally a Knick and is the perfect Knick as well.  He is a ‘dawg’, has that mentality and is going to battle every night for his team.  When Morris responded with, “Have you seen me play?” was all fans needed to hear to be on his side.  Hopefully fans believe Morris when he said, “It is not going to be like last year.”

Dennis Smith Jr.

Smith Jr. also quickly mentioned about the teams toughness, which seems to be a running theme.  He mentioned how he feels confident in his shot and will continue to work on it.  Smith Jr. will need to as there will be competition for the starting point spot.

Kevin Knox

As for Knox, it looks like he put on a lot of muscle this off-season.  He will be looking to capitalize on a below-par rookie campaign.  Knox will need to be more aggressive and it appears he has put the work into do just that.  His shot will be looking to improve similar to Smith Jr.

Steve Mills

Steve Mills also spoke to media and had some good things to say this time.  Usually, fans cringe when they hear him speak, but this time was different.  Mills spoke about, allegedly, being able to sign “Max” guys, but wanted to construct this team a different way.

The front office built a deep bench.  Mills and Scott Perry signed a bunch of “Dawgs” who are going to compete night and and night out.  It is a very likable team.  This was the first time we could believe something that came out of Mills mouth.  “New Yorkers are going to love this team.”

Mills also complimented Frank Ntilikina over the FIBA World Cup.  Let’s hope they actually watched and give him the opportunity he deserves now.

RJ Barrett

The biggest takeaway from Barrett was his maturity.  Barrett already wants, “Coach to be tough on him.”  That is the only way that he is going to grow into a great player.  Thankfully, he is on a team that is going to push him, similar to how Randle is going to push Robinson.

Mitchell Robinson

Robinson was too busy being a comedian and funny guy and did not address the media.

The overall message of the Knicks Media Day was toughness and a team of ‘dawgs’.  Everyone seems to be on the same page with one another, which is a good start.  The toughness will need to be there for the Knicks, as their defense last season was atrocious. There could be some glimpses of the 90s Knicks, but even the smallest of glimpse will be better than last year.

The other key message was barely any mention of the playoffs.  Being in New York, teams are always expected to make the playoffs.  Those expectations are not there for the Knicks.  But, if they can begin to turn the page as a franchise, that will be something all fans needed to see.

New York Knicks: 3 important questions heading into training camp

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New York Knicks, Kevin Knox, RJ Barrett

The New York Knicks are venturing forward towards training camp with several questions looming over the starting roster. The signing of numerous veteran free agents will undoubtedly help the Knicks and their playoff-contending hopes.

However, they were for forced to dip into the second tier free agent maker after missing out on Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. The Knicks, though, are in a good position with their youth and have solid momentum as they continue to rebuild their team. The focus now should be on solving the remaining issues and providing answers to essential questions.

Here are three questions the New York Knicks must answer:

1.) Do the Knicks have an identity

Realistically, the Knicks don’t have a real identity, but they are laying the groundwork to develop one. The upcoming season will allow them to play themselves into a personality and solidify chemistry between the veterans and youth players. Options like Julius Randle and Marcus Morris will be essential to the growth of the team and will also help players like Kevin Knox and RJ Barrett reach their potential. Another significant factor in their progression is head coach David Fizdale, who lost several games early because of late-game flops and was at the head of a 17-win season last year.

The team’s offense was lackluster, the defense was nonexistent, and they couldn’t win it home with their fans cheering them on. Now, he must navigate how to help his team help themselves and piece together a quality starting lineup.

2.) Is Kevin Knox the real deal?

After a historically bad rookie season, Kevin Knox is looking to take his game to another level. He would likely play small forward for the Knicks in his second season in the NBA, but his struggles will remain to a certain degree. Giving up on the 20-year-old would be foolish at this point, considering he added essential muscle mass and worked on his jump shot to elevate his game. The Knicks signed several forwards this off-season complicating Knox‘s future and available playing time. Carving out a role for Knox should be a priority, though, considering his youth and what he’s capable of.

3.) Who should start at point guard?

The consensus is that Dennis Smith Jr. will be the starting point guard for the Knicks during the 2019-20 season. However, his scoring production has been lackluster over in the first two seasons of his career. He has averaged just 14.5 points per game, and his assistant totals are incredibly disappointing. In comparison to newly signed point guard, Elfrid Payton, his numbers don’t necessarily match up.

Payton averaged 10.6 points, 7.6 assists, and 9.3 total rebounds per game in 2018. He’s a solid all-around player while Smith is more of an elite athlete. Smith has the capability and skillset to develop into an above-average point guard in the NBA, but unlocking those abilities is the challenge.

He was frustrated as a part of the Dallas Mavericks, and New York offers a fresh start but also a significant challenge. The Fanbase in New York is brutal and will criticize a player at every corner. I wouldn’t rule the potential of Elfrid starting the season; however, I do not believe the Knicks will compromise the potential of Smith Jr. moving forward.

New York Knicks: This ex-Knick likes this team defensively & more

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Former Knicks point guard Chris Childs spoke with the New York Post last week about the upcoming season.  Childs spoke about how the Brooklyn Nets signing Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving should be a “wake up” for the Knicks.

This is something Knicks fans already knew, so it was not a surprise.  However, the Knicks did make good enough moves to put themselves in a good position to succeed for the future.

Childs went onto talking about his time with the Knicks then hit on optimistic takes.

He stated, “I really like them defensively.”  Childs continued, “It seems like they got some tough, physical guys. I don’t think they’ll be getting up and down the court with them, but seems like they put together a tough team like the way we used to play. Like the old style of the late 1990s. I can see where they’re going. The big guys will mix it up.”  He ended with liking the defensive addition of Elfrid Payton and Wayne Ellington as well.

Hearing that this current team could have similarities of the 90s Knicks should be music to fans ears.  The 90s Knicks resembled hard-nosed basketball that was loved by the city.  If anyone came in the paint, they got hurt.  Their motto, not ours.

However, this basketball age is not like that anymore.  It looks to protect the players more.  But, if Childs thinks that this Knicks came can bring back even a little morsel of that defensive mindset, the Knicks could be onto something.

Fixing the defense from last season should be a top priority.  The defense was awful and, at many times, non-existent.

Childs likes the additions of Marcus Morris, Bobby Portis, Julius Randle and Taj Gibson.  He sees the gritty 90s Knicks within them.  Fans have not heard anything like that, when talking defense, in a long, long time.

As if Childs liking the defense wasn’t enough, he also believes the Knicks can sneak into the playoffs.  Maybe, he sees a similar team like the 8th seed Knicks he was on that made a historic run to the NBA Finals in 1999.

Childs had 5 teams already locked into the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.  The Bucks, Raptors, Nets, Celtics and 76ers.  “Six, seven and eight can be anyone”, Childs said.  Some positive outlook for the Knicks as they begin training camp.

New York Knicks: Why RJ Barrett should be an automatic starter

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New York Knicks, RJ Barrett

The New York Knicks went into the 2019-20 season with middling hopes and expectations. Signing numerous second-tier free agents to help bolster the team and increase their offensive production will surely add a few more wins to their 17-win benchmark set just one year ago.

To aid their struggling franchise, the Knicks drafted RJ Barrett out of Duke with the third overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. A player that would’ve been the number one overall pick given Zion Williamson didn’t take over the college basketball stage by storm, Barrett is a solid choice and will be a significant piece to the puzzle moving forward.

Averaging 22.6 points and 4.3 assists per game with the Blue Devils attests to Barrett’s ability to not only score points but also move the ball around the floor. His willingness to pass and open up shots for teammates is an underrated attribute that he should be commended for. The Knicks can easily justify starting him immediately and giving him plenty of time to develop and expand on an already-existing skillset.

The New York Knicks built a reliable team around RJ Barrett:

With players like Julius Randle and Marcus Morris to help mentor him and refine his abilities, Barrett can jump right into regular minutes and learn on the go. However, some might argue that playing him off the bench may allow him to adapt to the physicality and speed of the NBA at a more personal pace.

Being that playing time is essential to growth, I believe that Barrett’s best chance of developing quickly is to start immediately. He will have players like Dennis Smith Jr., Randle, Morris, and Mitchell Robinson playing around him and feeding him the ball. Also, the youth on the team, including Kevin Knox gives him a confident feeling on the season. He’s not far off from players like Knox who were struggling as rookies just last year.

In fact, he’s in a much better place with the current next team than the rookies were last year.

One ex-NBA player thinks the New York Knicks can make the playoffs

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New York Knicks

This past Vegas Summer League there was one ex-NBA player who believes the New York Knicks can make the playoffs.  Kendrick Perkins was asked about the Knicks upcoming season in a quick interview.

Perkins stated, “I don’t think they’re at the bottom like people think they are.”  He continued, “I wouldn’t be surprised if the Knicks make the playoffs.”

Perkins complimented coach David Fizdale’s championship coaching background in Miami.  As well as the moves that general manager Scott Perry made, both in the free agency and the draft.  He ended with the Knicks having some good young pieces and they will be “alright.”

The Knicks did have a good off-season, despite what people may think.  They did not add the best pieces, but they added the right pieces.  Perry tried to find players that would fit the system that Fizdale wants to run.  However, it is up-in-the-air with what system Fizdale wants to run this year.

Julius Randle, Marcus Morrs, Bobby Portis, Elfrid Payton, Taj Gibson and Wayne Ellington were the Knicks off-season additions.  We can’t forget to mention the 3rd overall pick, RJ Barrett, who has the mindset and ability to be the face of the franchise down the line.

Last season was more offensive heavy.  A lot of screens and pick-and-rolls.  The Knicks were able to score, sort-of, but it was the defense that was the issue.

The defensive presence was lacking and, at sometimes, non-existent.  If the Knicks want any shot at making the playoffs, the defense needs to be improved.  Similar to what Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier said, “Defense is everything to me.”  Mitchell Robinson, Morris, Randle and Frank Ntilikina will be the guys on defense to propel the team.

Not many are selecting the Knicks to make the playoffs next season.  Many fans believe the Knicks can be a 30-35 win team, which will be a major improvement from a 17-win season last year.  Even if the Knicks don’t make the playoffs, taking a step forward in all areas of the game will make next season a ‘win’ regardless.

This is the key for the New York Knicks to make the playoffs

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New York Knicks, Knicks, Mitchell Robinson

Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier believes their is only one thing that the New York Knicks must do make the playoffs.  At a PUMA event, Frazier said, “The key to winning is always defense to me.”

Frazier wants coach David Fizdale to turn the defense up a notch and apply full-court pressure.  The Knicks have a very deep bench, maybe one of the deepest in the league.  So with that depth, all players need to be utilized in a way that provides suffering defense for 48-minutes.

The Garden faithful does love good defense from the Knicks.  While scoring points and hitting big shots gets the crowd hyped, the fans really get behind the Knicks when they display intense, up-beat defense.  Just like about the hard-nosed 90’s Knicks.  The Garden went crazy when Ewing, Oakley and Mason defended the paint.

The Knicks added good defensive pieces to their already young roster.

Mitchell Robinson is the main piece when we talk defense.  The blocking sensation is now 100% healthy and ready to take over the center position.  Robinson hurt his knee, keeping him out of participating for team USA in the FIBA World Cup.

The Knicks added Marcus Morris, who has always provided hard-nose defense and will defend him teammates at all cost.  He is not afraid to bang down-low and get rebounds.  Morris has been the player that you hate to play against, but love when he is on your team.

Frank Ntilikina and Daymean Dotson are probably the two best overall defenders for the Knicks.  They can key on their assignment and stick to their man the entire length of the floor.

The Knicks also added Bobby Portis, a 6’11’ center averaging 8.6 total rebounds a game for his career.  He is a gritty player, who is looking to be the Sixth Man of the Year and the leader of the Knicks bench.

Frazier added, “They realize they’re not an elite team, but if they give 100 percent, they’ll get the support of the Garden. With very aggressive defense, they can make the playoffs.”  Frazier is could not be more correct with his comments.  The Knicks are already looking to shock people this season and it will start with their defense.

New York Knicks: Is Kevin Knox finally ready to break out during the 2019-20 season?

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New York Knicks, Kevin Knox, RJ Barrett

The focal point for the New York Knicks this upcoming season will undoubtedly be third overall pick from the 2019 NBA draft, RJ Barrett. The Duke star has plenty of qualities that can translate over to the NBA, but the Knicks will be focused on extracting the most value and helping him reach his potential.

The veteran signings will also be instrumental in his growth and allowing Barrett to succeed on the court early on in his career. However, the Knicks cannot forget about their first-round pick from last year, Kevin Knox.

The New York Knicks will challenge their youth:

The second-year small forward will not be gifted playing time this season like he was in his rookie campaign. This year, he’ll be forced to compete against the veterans for minutes.

After missing out on superstars like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Knicks utilized their cap space on second-tier free agents like Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, Taj Gibson, Marcus Morris, Elfrid Payton, Wayne Ellington, and Reggie Bullock.

Most aren’t giving the Knicks the benefit of the doubt to be a competing team this season. Their defensive game is still shallow, and their offense is unproven, so guaranteeing any success is very premature.

Kevin Knox is one of the hopefuls for the organization, though. After a historically lousy rookie season averaging 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists and 75 games last year, he’s looking to elevate his abilities and show he can be a force moving forward. Knox also understands that he is no longer a rookie and must be held accountable for his performances.

“That’s going to be great for us,” Knox said, via Steve Popper of Newsday. “To be able to compete, I don’t think anybody’s guaranteed no starting lineup, no minutes, none of that . . . Everyone is gonna have to earn their minutes, earn their position. I think that’s going to be great for us going into training camp and competing. Nobody’s got a starting spot. Everyone’s got to fight to earn their minutes and earn their position.”

I believe that the increase in competition and pressure will help Knox find the best version of himself and reach his potential. An increase in jump shot efficiency wouldn’t hurt either.

New York Knicks are worried about their defense in 2019, offense seems to be easy

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New York Knicks, Dennis Smith Jr.

The New York Knicks will enter the 2019-20 season with heightened expectations on offense and defense. Point guard Dennis Smith Jr. will be the focal point of the offense this year despite having lackluster numbers over two seasons.

Smith has averaged just 14.5 points per game since hi inception in 2017, but he will look to increase his production and efficiency from the floor.

The third-year player has plenty of goals entering next season, but one of them is to help New York Knicks’ RJ Barrett when the Rookie of the Year award.

“I’m treating that as one of my focal points just to help him win Rookie of the Year. And whatever I can do, I’m willing to do it,” Smith Jr. said in an interview with Chris Henderson. “It’s important for us and it’s important for our team and it’s important for our morale moving forward, so I think it would be major if he won that.”

The success of Barrett will be indicative of the Knicks’ potential this season and overall achievements. Smith will be a catalyst in getting him the ball and helping him develop quickly in the NBA. However, it is a team sport, and both will be incredibly important and elevating each other’s play and allowing them to reach their potential.

Smith was very confident about the offensive capabilities of the Knicks, though. He stated that the offense would take care of itself with players like Julius Randle and Marcus Morris featuring as newly signed veterans. He knows that the team will put up points but stopping the opposition from doing so will be where they hang their hat. Having Mitchell Robinson, one of the best shot blockers in the league certainly helps their efficiency in that category. By being in elite shape and taking care of their bodies, the Knicks should be in good shape to compete in the upcoming season.

There are still plenty of challenges for them to overcome, and the proof has to be in the putting.

The New York Knicks gained a trusted shooter in Wayne Ellington

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New York Knicks, Wayne Ellington

One of the priorities for the New York Knicks this off-season was to add several capable shooters. Bringing in veterans Julius Randle and Marcus Morris will undoubtedly help in that facet, but three-point specialist Wayne Ellington will be a focal point during the 2019-20 season.

Last season, New York was one of the league’s worst three-point shooting teams. On the year, they converted just 34% of their threes which ranked 28th in the NBA.

The ultimate issue for the Knicks was that players with low percentages were heaving up shots at an astronomical rate. For example, Dennis Smith Jr. launched four three-pointers per game in his 21 contests with the Knicks. He converted on just 1.1 of them.

In addition, Frank Nitilikina shot 28.7% from beyond the arc on 2.7 attempts per game. This season, that number should elevate exponentially, why? Because players like Ellington, Morris, and Randle will all have better numbers and be more efficient in that category.

In comparison, Ellington averaged 10.3 points per game while with the Miami Heat and Detroit Pistons last season. He hit on 37.1% of his 7 treys per game.

The New York Knicks needed to add a player like Wayne Ellington:

Adding a trusted shooter from beyond the arc will give the Knicks more room on the floor and better scoring production. Lacking good numbers in that category is simply unacceptable for the modern-day NBA, which is heavily reliant on the three-point shot.

The Knicks signed Ellington to a two-year, $16 million contract that could end up being a bargain considering his qualities and skill set. It is unlikely he emerges as a starter on the team, but he can certainly be an influential player down the road. I expect him to be a rotational piece that head coach David Fizdale looks to utilize in specific ways and scenarios.

Consistent minutes seems to be in Ellington’s future, especially if he can maintain his efficiency from three-point land.