RJ Barrett

New York Knicks: A modest Media Day

by

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

by
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: Why RJ Barrett should be an automatic starter

by
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

by
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

by
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.

Is the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets rivalry now bigger than ever?

by
New York Knicks

This summer, the Brooklyn Nets were able to get the 2 superstar free-agents that the New York Knicks coveted.  Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving decided to sign with the Nets over the Knicks.  Knicks fans were too confident that they would land at least one, if not both.  But, that was not god’s plan.

Now that those two are in Brooklyn instead of New York, does this intensify the rivalry?  Is the Knicks-Nets rivalry bigger than ever now?

Well, it should be.  But, it isn’t.

Some fans of both teams will saw say there is always a rivalry and rightfully so.  The ‘Battle of Borough’ does mean a lot to basketball fans in New York.  It is a sibling rivalry.  It is fun and there is something extra to play when these two teams meet, regardless of their records.

However, the rivalry does not mean as much unless both teams are good and/or contenders.  This season, and for the duration of the Durant/Irving tenure, the rivalry does not carry as much weight unless the Knicks are good.

Regardless of what player went where, the Nets made the playoffs last year and were the better New York team.  The Knicks had the league’s worst record, enough said.  Therefore, the rivalry meant nothing, well to Spencer Dinwiddie it allegedly meant everything.

If the Knicks are able to become something like what the Nets currently are, then it will grow.  The Knicks will have to be contenders.  It might not be next season, but they are on the right path to make that happen.  Or, if the Knicks are able to get a big name free-agent next season, or trade for one, then the rivalry will be huge.  As long as whatever they do turns them into competitors.

There was no competition last season, or the year before.  The Nets were clearly the better team, so the rivalry was swept underneath the rug.  Even when Durant comes back from his Achilles injury, the rivalry will not mean much unless the Knicks are competitive.

If both teams are in contention for the playoffs, especially being in the same division, the rivalry intensifies.  The Knicks already have the ‘dog’ mentality ready to shock people with their play this season.  Will that play be good enough to propel this rivalry into a another stratosphere?  Or will the Knicks let the Nets try to take control of the city.

The New York Knicks need these 3 players to shine during the 2019-20 season

by
New York Knicks, Mitchell Robinson

The New York Knicks will need to rely on several key players this upcoming season:

While being a playoff-contending team is a cohesive effort, the New York Knicks will have to rely on their influencers to carry the load this year. Several veteran free agent signings bolstered the roster as a whole, but they lack the star-power to make a significant impact on the NBA.

Competing is much different than contending, though, as the Knicks last season managed just 17 wins with a majority of their roster comprised of youth. This time around, they will have a bit more experience and knowledge to help along the way, which should theoretically make them a more productive team.

Here are 3 New York Knicks players that need to shine next season:

1.) Forward – RJ Barrett

The 6-foot-7 rookie will be thrown right into the mix on the starting rotation to begin the season, and this is a good move from head coach David Fizdale. Allowing Barrett to adapt to the NBA quickly and realize his deficiencies is important for his development.

Learning from veteran Julius Randle will also be essential, as the former New Orleans Pelican is versed in driving to the rim and executing a decent jump shot. Barrett will undoubtedly face challenges, but his abilities will quickly progress with steady minutes on the floor.

However, the Knicks need him to elevate his game quickly if they wish to compete.

2.) Power forward – Julius Randle

The Knicks brought in Randle as a second-tier free agent after missing out on superstars like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The former Pelican is a solid player, though, averaging 21.4 points and 8.7 total rebounds per game last season. He will immediately provide value around the rim for the Knicks, a team who struggled to score with a rookie squad in 2018.

Coming off his best season yet, Randle is prepared to take his game to the next level and is excited to get started with what some are considering, “his team.”

“It was amazing,’’ Randle said of the L.A. workouts the Knicks participated in several weeks ago. “Playing 2-on-2, 3-on-3. We got a lot of new guys — we signed seven, we got two rookies RJ [Barrett] and Iggy [Brazdeikis]. It’s important for us to get to know each other, spend time together on the court before training camp starts.”

3.) Center – Mitchell Robinson

If Robinson can increase his muscle mass and overall strength for the upcoming campaign, the Knicks will feature one of the top defensive players in the NBA. Progressing toward perennial All-Star status, Robinson needs to work on a few weaknesses — foul trouble, positioning, glass-work.

Elevating his physical strength will allow Robinson to battle against bigger offensive opponents and dominate in the paint even more. His length and size have already given him a solid base to swat shots and record blocks at an astronomical rate, but his game is only improving. The Knicks will need him to take the next step forward in becoming a true impact player for them, and I believe the 2019-20 season has that in-store.

 

New York Knicks: Who will help RJ Barrett the most in reaching his potential?

by
New York Knicks, RJ Barrett

When the New York Knicks drafted RJ Barrett with the 3rd overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, they received one of college’s most dynamic players. His efficiency in the paint and driving to the rim makes him an exciting prospect for the Knicks and their future.

At 6-foot-7, the forward will begin his rookie season as a starting option. However, he has plenty of challenges to overcome and will face adversity in his first season as a professional. The physicality and speed of the NBA will require him to not only grow physically but mentally.

The Knicks signed a slew of veteran free agents to help bolster the team’s production. Also, they will help Barrett and the younger players develop into solidified options and productive scorers.

Who will be the primary mentor for New York Knicks rookie, RJ Barrett?

I believe that sixth-year player Julius Randle will be the catalyst behind Barrett’s success. The power forward has developed a variety of skills throughout his career. He finished last season with an improved .344 three-point percentage, and a second consecutive year with a field goal percentage over .500. He averaged 21.4 points in a secondary role behind Anthony Davis for the Pelicans in 2018.

One of the categories that Barrett is already refined in and will look to improve upon is his assist totals. He averaged 4.3 assists per game in college and 4.2 in the summer league this off-season. In fact, he might be able to help Randle in that facet. If he can develop his jump shot and scoring efficiency, RJ can surely be one of the Knicks’ top scoring options and leaders moving forward. However, battling against stronger and more talented defenders will be a hurdle RJ has to overcome.

Earning consistent playing time will help Barrett progress and adapt to the NBA quickly. Following Randle’s lead and learning how to penetrate the paint effectively will be a priority for the rookie. We should expect Barrett to start through the good and the bad, which is a good thing ultimately given their expectations for him down the road.

 

New York Knicks: Dennis Smith Jr. has another goal for this season

by
New York Knicks, Dennis Smith Jr.

New York Knicks point guard Dennis Smith Jr. wants to accomplish a lot this upcoming season.  He first, and foremost, wants to be a leader.

What does being a leader mean in the NBA?  For starters, helping out your teammates improve and get better.  Besides improving his game, Smith Jr. added another goal for himself this season.  He would like to help the 3rd overall pick, RJ Barrett, win the Rookie of the Year.

That is a quality you want to see in one of your leaders.  Barrett has already set this goal for himself to achieve, but having a teammate who wants the same for a player only strengthens the team.

Smith Jr. said in a interview with Youtuber SEE HENDO, “I’m treating that as one of my focal points just to help him win Rookie of the Year.”

While this all sounds good, Smith Jr. should be worrying more about his own game.  It is great to have these intentions, but he has been working very hard on his own game.  Smith Jr. has come a long way from where his shot was last season to now.  Granted, it is not in game situations but still.

Smith Jr. needs to establish himself as a leader first.  Once he does that, he then can focus on helping Barrett.  The coaching staff wants to see this improved shot in the game and consistent.  After that, have at it.

There is no clear leader on this Knicks roster.  Randle by default?  But, it is his first year and he is clearly the teams best player without even playing a game yet.

If Smith Jr. wants to be the leader of this team, that is what he needs to focus on, which he is.  Pick one goal and stick with it.  Being the point guard is not an easy job.  Being the leader is most definitely not easy.  Smith Jr. has a lot to prove this upcoming season with all of the goals.  This year will be huge for his development.

New York Knicks: Exactly How Well Will RJ Barrett’s Game Translate to the NBA?

by
New York Knicks, RJ Barrett

New York Knicks rookie RJ Barrett’s game has a chance to translate well to the NBA. RJ Barrett’s style of play is predicated on making plays for his teammates and getting to the rim by any means necessary. For a rookie, RJ has amazing finishing ability at the rim. Due to the fact Barrett’s a young 19-year-old physical specimen at a chiseled 6’7 210lbs with room for growth, it certainly doesn’t hurt that he is a crafty and smart lefty who will be able to navigate his way to the rim at will due to his herky-jerky penetration style. This kind of style will cause one-on-one mismatches in the future.

Once the game slows down for the Canadian international star, he’ll live at the free-throw line and become a triple-double threat on a nightly basis, especially with his above-average rebounding. This young 19-year-old lefty scorer will need some time to adjust to the speed of the NBA game.

The New York Knicks are no longer just a misguided young team lacking leadership. This offseason, Scott Perry and Steve Mills continued spearheading the Knicks rebuild by signing a few vets including budding all-star Julius Randle. RJ Barrett having vets like Marcus Morris, Julius Randle, and Taj Gibson will only benefit his game overall. My prediction is the second half of this season, RJ Barrett will be settled in mentally and offensively/defensively improved. If RJ Barrett overachieves, the Knicks will walk into the playoffs. RJ Barrett will be a dark-horse for rookie of the year especially if he comes into the season with a suddenly improved jump shot and three-point stroke.