RJ Barrett

New York Knicks: 3 players primed for a breakout season in 2019

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New York Kicks, Allonzo Trier

After what might have been the most exciting and unfortunate free agency period for the New York Knicks, the roster is nearly complete if not already. Bringing in Marcus Morris and Julius Randle inserts two quality starters into the lineup, but there are remaining question marks and issues that must be addressed.

The youth on the team is still inexperienced and will require time to reach their potential. RJ Barrett, Kevin Knox, Allonzo Trier, Mitchell Robinson, etc. All of these players are on their way up but still need plenty of minutes to continue developing their games.

Who says the Knicks can’t win in the meantime? They have the talent to do so, it’s just a matter of building chemistry and a successful atmosphere.

Here are 3 New York Knicks players that could dominate in 2019:

3.) Allonzo Trier

While some might coin Kevin Knox as a potential beakout player, the Knicks have stacked the competition against him. He will have to fight for playing time, and not that Trier won’t, but I see him playing an extremely important 6th-man type of role that can come in and make buckets.

Averaging 10.9 points per game last season, Trier made an impact on the offensive side of the ball, however, his defense is below average. He’s the perfect options to come on and score some quick points, JR Smith style.

Nate Robinson begged the Knicks to give Trier a starting spot in an interview with SNY.TV reporter Ian Begley:

“Hey, New York Knicks, just do me a favor: can you please start my man? Seriously. He’s earned, coach he’s earned it. He’s played great basketball for you coming off the bench, but he can do so much more. I’ve been watching this kid since he was a young guy, 7-8 years old, playing in Seattle, him growing up in high school in a different, going to Arizona and now playing in the NBA. It’s pretty cool man….. I wish the best for him. He plays hard and he’s going to be a treat for the New York fans.”

At this point, it’s impossible to know where the season will take the Knicks, but Trier has the potential to make a serious impact. His influence is more clear due to his proficiency in shooting, something Knox struggles with at times. Knox prefers to work in the paint closer to the basket, which has posed issues due to the difference in NBA level defenders.

Trier has the advantage of being a better shooter, earning a .448 field goal percentage last season. If he can maintain numbers like that, he can be an impact player for the Knicks this upcoming season.

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2.) Mitchell Robinson

This one might not be too difficult to predict. Mitchell Robinson was the silver lining from a season that saw the Knicks finish with a 17-65 record. He set rookie records for the Knicks in the blocks category, swatting away nine shots in just 12 games. He averaged 2.4 blocks per game, which ranked him higher than Rudy Gobert and Joel Embiid, two of the NBA’s top players.

To sweeten the pie, Robinson tied Hassan Whiteside for the most blocks in a single game with nine in just 22 minutes. It’s seeming as if Robinson might be the best draft pick from 2018, and he hadn’t played in quite some time prior to being selected. He’s an extremely exciting player with a ton of potential, there’s no question he’s preparing for a dominant season.

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1.) Dennis Smith Jr.

Going into his third year in the NBA, the point guard has all of the tools to elevate his game and establish himself as the starter for the foreseeable future.

The Knicks failed to bring in superstars like Kemba Walker or Kyrie Irving, but at the same time, it almost felt as though they weren’t trying to. They’re confident that Smith Jr. can rise to the occasion next season, and spending all offseason working on his perimeter shot will certainly help.

Adding a consistent shot to his elite athleticism will make him virtually unguardable at times. The potential he offers is simply too enticing to give up on at this time.

 

 

New York Knicks players in FIBA World Cup

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New York Knicks, RJ Barrett

The New York Knicks will have some participants in the upcoming FIBA basketball World Cup this August to September.

Third year guard Frank Ntilikina will participant for the France national team and RJ Barrett should play for Canada.

Both players are projected to start for their national teams.  This will be good for both of these players to get more play in before the NBA season starts.

It will especially good for the development of both players.

Barrett struggled in his first couple games in the Vegas summer league, but showed promise down the stretch, averaging a double-double.  However, his shooting percentage was very sub-par.

Ntilikina continues to work this off-season and appears to have gotten taller and has improved his dribbling and shot. While all the videos of Ntilikina look great, fans, especially myself, need to see Frank perform in the game.

Fans are very happy that the Knicks did not trade Ntilikina. Why trade Ntilikina for a second round pick when he continues to put the work towards getting better.  It was a wise decision to keep Ntilikina.

Playing in FIBA basketball World Cup is going to be a positive for these two young developing Knicks.  Fans have very high hopes for Barrett and are praying Ntilikina can finally break through and perform like we all envision.

What role will Ignas Brazdeikis play with the New York Knicks this season

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New York Knicks, Ignas Brazdeikis

While the New York Knicks selection of R.J. Barrett attracted almost all the fanfare for the Knicks during the NBA Draft on June 20th, 2019, there was also the selection of Ignas Brazdeikis in the second round with the 47th pick.

Brazdeikis, a forward, averaged 15-5-1 on 46/39/77 in his one season of college ball for the University of Michigan basketball team.

Where will the New York Knicks feature the pair?

Many have speculated where Barrett will play, will he play more shooting guard or small forward, and will he start to open off the season or will Damyean Dotson, Allonzo Trier or Wayne Ellington start at the 2 on opening night.

Here I will examine the answers to those questions but for the Knicks other draft pick, Brazdeikis:

At Michigan, Brazdeikis was utilized as more of a power forward but it is generally believed that he will be more of a small forward in the NBA, mostly due to his build and 6’7 height. However, it is also believed he could play sporadic minutes at power forward, like Kevin Knox.

So how do the New York Knicks stack up at the forward positions where Brazdeikis plays? At Brazdeikis’ secondary position, Power Forward. In maybe the most notable development in the 2018-19 Knicks season, the Knicks traded away star power forward Kristaps Porzingis in a deal that also saw Tim Hardawy Jr., Courtney Lee and Trey Burke in exchange for Dennis Smith Jr. and two first-round picks.

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This left the Knicks with a hole at that position going forward. As the Knicks let the other power forward on the 2018-19 team, Noah Vonleh and Luke Kornet walk, power forward was to be a major need for the Knicks to fill in free agency, the Knicks marquee signing was Julius Randle, who is a lock to start at the 4 for probably the next two seasons if not more.

Then the Knicks also signed Taj Gibson, Bobby Portis and Marcus Morris. While the Knicks were mocked by some for signing a high number of power forwards, only Gibson looks to be a lock on play most of his minutes at the 4, as Portis is likely to backup Mitchell Robinson at center, and while Marcus Morris has logged the vast majority of his minutes for the Celtics at Power Foward, he was mostly a small forward the previous four seasons for the Suns and Pistons, which leads the door for him to potentially start for the Knicks at small forward this season.

Speaking of small forward…that is projected as the primary position Brazdeikis will play in the NBA. So how do the Knicks stack up there? Well, 3 players on the Knicks played the majority of their minutes at the 3 last year, Kevin Knox, the team’s first-round draft pick and Damyean Dotson, 2017 second-round pick, and Mario Hezonja, who is now on the Portland Trail Blazers.

Besides that, Reggie Bullock has logged 53% of his career minutes at the 3, but he may miss part of the season and play shooting guard (same for Dotson) when he comes back. (All position playing totals are according to Basketball reference)

So where does that leave Brazdeikis? Well, Randle, Morris, and Knox are definitely ahead of him along with Dotson if the Knicks play him at the 3, and Bullock probably too. That leaves Brazdeikis at best as probably the third-string option behind 4 players to start the season, and there is a possibility he spends some time with the G-league Westchester Knicks.

Both of those things aren’t necessarily bad though, as many second-round picks start off in the same situation. It is imperative that if Brazdeikis gets increased minutes due to Bullock’s injury, he could capitalize on those minutes to put himself in front of Bullock in the pecking order when he returns from injury.

The Role that Ignas Brazdeikis will play for the Knicks in the 2019-19 season is going to be an interesting development to watch and in my opinion, will be one of the more interesting things to watch out for in this season.

 

New York Knicks: What does Marcus Morris bring to the Knicks?

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New York Knicks, Marcus Morris

When the New York Knicks pried former Celtics power forward Marcus Morris from the San Antonio Spurs, most thought to themselves…how? The chance to play with a perennial contender under Gregg Popovich should be influential for any player looking to leave their mark on the league.

Morris, though, seemed to favor the greenbacks more-so than his desire to win. The Knicks have a solid roster with plenty of depth, but they lack a true superstar — an influencer that can take their game to the next level. The $14.8 million deal over one year that Morris was offered was simply too enticing.

The contract difference was essentially $5 million, as the Spurs were prepared to offer him about $20 million over two-years. For five-million dollars, I would do a lot more than just play basketball in New York City. What a world we live in.

General manager Scott Perry was excited to bring in Morris, and pairing him with the other free agent signings will increase the chances of success for the Knicks.

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“With Reggie and Marcus we are adding two more versatile, hard-nosed and accomplished players to an already improved roster,” Scott Perry said in a release, according to the New York Post. “We value both players’ perimeter shooting ability and their strong presence on the court and in the locker room. We’re excited to have them in New York and are confident they will excel playing for this team under Coach (David) Fizdale.”

In 2018, Morris was a key cog in the Celtics’ roster, hitting on 37.5 percent from beyond the arch, and averaged 13.9 points per game on 44.7 percent shooting. Going into his ninth season, Morris is experienced, and the Knicks will be his fifth team over the span of his career. He’s capable of being a great offensive performer and is a quality shooter, something the Knicks have lacked at times, especially in 2018.

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How will Marcus Morris help the New York Knicks off the court?

Marcus’ experience will be influential on a team packed full of youth. His leadership will go a long way in helping players like Kevin Knox and RJ Barrett reach their potential and develop their game.

“He works hard, has a serious approach to his craft, and is an excellent teammate,’’ said a former players of Morris. “Winning is important to him, and he’s focused on getting better. I feel he is a solid starter in this league.’’

The reality of this signing is that he can be a contributor for one-season and if he proves his worth there could be an extension in his future. In the meantime, there’s plenty of value to be extracted when it comes to the 29-year-old.

 

Do the New York Knicks plan to start RJ Barrett right off the bat?

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New York Knicks, RJ Barrett

With the signing of multiple starting-caliber free agents, the New York Knicks might have created more questions than answers. Drafting RJ Barrett with the 3rd overall pick should guarantee him a starting spot on the team, but after an inconsistent Summer League debut, it’s possible head coach David Fizdale elects to rotate him in off the bench.

Barrett, a natural forward, can play multiple positions, but bringing in Marcus Morris, Julius Randle, and already having Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson, and Dennis Smith Jr. makes starting Barrett a questionable decision.

It ultimately comes down to the game-plan for the Knicks. Do they want to refine their youth or compete to win more than 17 games in 2019-20?

To start the Summer League, Barrett scored just 18 points in his first two games on sub-23 percent shooting from the field. In other words, he was atrocious, but these numbers and opinions should be taken with a grain of salt. Over the next three games, he scored a combined 59 points on 19-for-44 shooting. His efficiency skyrocketed and his quality was on display, but was it enough to convince the coaching staff that he’s capable of holding his own in an NBA-level game?

At this point in time, Barret might be the Knicks’ best isolation scorer, but he severely lacks a perimeter shot, something he will need to develop in his rookie season. RJ averaged six three-point attempts per game with Duke last year, hit on 30.8 percent. As an off-ball player, this statistic is worrisome.

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Again, there’s plenty of time for the 19-year-old to refine his game and add to his repertoire — playing time is essential, though, I can’t imagine the Knicks not starting him in a regular role and expediting his progress. There’s no need to pull an Eli Manning and Daniel Jones scenario when the Knicks aren’t an expected playoff contender anyway.

They need to be focusing on their youth and extracting as much value as possible. I expect Barrett to play an influential role early and often to start the season.

 

New York Knicks could still find trade partner for Frank Ntilikina

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New York Knicks, Frnak Ntilikina

Where will Frank Ntilikina end up after a busy offseason for the New York Knicks?

The Knicks didn’t hold back this offseason from bringing in a plethora of new talent to help supplement the failure of missing out on Kevin Durant and others. Players like Julius Randle and Marcus Morris headline the free agent grabs, but the roster has gotten awfully crowded at certain positions.

Specifically, the point guard spot is now flush full of options — Dennis Smith Jr., Kadeem Allen, Elfrid Payton, and Frank Ntilikina.

The Frenchman has struggled to reach his potential after two seasons in the NBA. His defense is solid but his offensive production has lacked. Averaging just 5.9 points per game after two seasons is disappointing, and despite the offseason videos of him heaving up shots, Ntilikina seems to falter every time he featured on an NBA court.

Frank’s name floated around in the rumor mill prior to the start of free agency this year, and while he’s emerged unscathed, there’s still reason to believe he could be traded. Whether or not he has a future with the Knicks is undetermined, but considering he’s likely a third-stringer at this point, they might be better off trading him for draft value.

A team looking for a talented defender with promise could be a trade target, but convincing them of this would be the hurdle.

Smith Jr. and Payton offer the most value at the point guard position, as both are offensively fueled. Kadeem Allen has also shown he can provide value in short bursts. A two-way contract put the Knicks in an advantageous position.

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What else could the New York Knicks do with Frank Ntilikina?

Alternatively, the Knicks could try and move Ntilikina to a different position, but the reality is, there’s nowhere to really put him. With the drafting of RJ Barrett, signing of Wayne Ellington and Reggie Bullock, finding a spot for Frank beyond the PG position is nearly impossible.

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Head coach David Fizdale used the Frenchman in the 3 at times, utilizing his defense primarily, trying to take the ball out of his hands. That’s the role I anticipate he will feature in more and more as his offense dwindles. What Ntilikina offers simply isn’t enough to garner starting minutes, but a team looking for an above-average defender might be willing to part ways with a second-round pick — in that case, the Knicks should send him on his way before it’s too late.

New York Knicks: Don’t listen to the RJ Barrett nonsense

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New York Knicks, RJ Barrett

There’s a simple fact to keep in mind when considering the NBA Summer league, especially when it comes to New York Knicks first-round draft pick, RJ Barrett.

The Summer League doesn’t foresee the future for any players featured. If you can recall how awful Trae Young looked, Atlanta Hawks star, in the summer of 2018, you can make the obvious observation that, just maybe, we shouldn’t overthink a few bad performances.

Young, who’s now one of the league’s top scorers, thrived after his porous Summer League period. There’s nothing that says Barrett can’t do the same as he develops his game and adapts to the speed and physicality of the NBA.

At just 19-years-old, we must give him the benefit of the doubt. According to Clutch Points, one NBA scout stated:

“When you pick [at No.] 3, you’re trying to get an All-Star, and he definitely doesn’t look like that,’’ one NBA scout said. “But he looked like he’ll be an NBA player for a long time.’’

While it’s impossible to predict whether the Canadian native will be an All-Stat down the line, he certainly endured his fair share of struggles in Las Vegas. However, he did finish off the league with a near triple-double against the Washington Wizards.

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Barrett finished the day with 21 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds. His assist numbers really jump off the page, showing his versatility and desire to move the ball. His ability to push the court downhill and break aggressively on offense has been exciting. That’s a trait he will need to maintain once the regular season comes around.

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The pressure of being an early draft pick in New York isn’t easy for any player, especially when the struggles set in right off the bat. We must be patient with the young forward — he has a long career ahead and plenty of time to prove his worth in the Big Apple, so take a deep breath and think positively.

New York Knicks: RJ Barrett’s strengths are now his weaknesses

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New York Knicks, RJ Barrett

The New York Knicks drafted Duke star RJ Barrett with the third overall pick in the most recent NBA Draft, and while he enters the league with ample abilities and skills, most of his strengths have now become weaknesses.

Refining his existing talents will be the goal in his rookie season with the Knicks, and it will take time for him to develop them to a point where he can once again dominate.

The 19-year-old told media in Vegan on Friday that he’s currently working on “everything” in regards to his finishing ability, which has been his primary strength throughout his career in basketball. Facing off against tougher defenders and more physical players will be an obstacle for him this year, but he’s working diligently to overcome the adversity quickly.

Barrett has struggled during Summer League games at times, starting his first two games with a combined 21.1 field goal percentage, 18 points, and 2-of-13 from three-point land.

However, he’s picked up his production in recent games, the most recent — 21 points, 35.3 field goal percentage, and 10 rebounds. Finishing the night with a double-double, his second consecutive, showed that he is capable of scoring at a high level and being an impact player.

The New York Knicks have a solid group of rookies:

Fellow rookie, Ignas Brazdeikis, has been a force during the Summer League, looking the part of an NBA player. He will likely be a solid rotational player in 2019 while Barrett earns starting playing time. It will be exciting to see both compete and play together as they shape the future of the Knicks’ team.

One observation that’s exciting is Barret’s hustle and tenacity. Grabbing loose boards and pushing the tempo on the offensive side of the ball, he’s full of energy which is a great look as he continues to grow into his role.

Instead of settling, Barrett has been proactive in perfecting his abilities, most of which used to be his strengths.

Would Marcus Morris make the New York Knicks a playoff caliber team?

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New York Knicks, Marcus Morris

It seems as if the New York Knicks actually do have some pull in free agency, as they’re nearing a deal to pull Marcus Morris away from the San Antonio Spurs after already having an agreement in place.

While Morris is no Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving, he’s an extremely physical player in the paint and can make an influence for the Knicks in 2019. After restructuring Reggie Bullock’s deal, the team is in a position to offer $15 million-per-year to Morris, a bit more than the Spurs were offering.

While there is optimism that Morris will stick to his original plan of signing with San Antonio, it’s not off the table that he will elect to take his talents to New York.

Last season, he averaged 13.9 points and 6.1 rebounds for the Celtics and his defensive rebound totals per game have been increasing consistently over the past three years.

Adding Morris to a free agent class including Julius Randle, Elfrid Payton, Bobby Portis, and Wayne Ellington, surely helps sooth the minds of Knicks fans still feeling the hangover from the Brooklyn Nets superstar festival.

My question is — will Marcus steal playing time away from the Knicks youth?

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I believe that head coach David Fizdale is keen on keeping his youngsters on the court and providing them with ample opportunity to succeed and progress. Of course, RJ Barrett will be a starter along with Mitchell Robinson, Dennis Smith Jr., and Damyean Dotson, but where will Marcus fit in?

The Knicks have gone on a power forward signing spree, but Marcus will likely take playing time away from Bobby Portis down low, which is acceptable. While the forward is efficient in the paint, he’s also a proficient shooter, connecting on 37.5 percent of shots from three-point land.

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It’s likely he could pass on the Spurs’ deal of two-years, $20 million in a favor of a one-year, $15 million deal with the Knicks. In fact, if he’s confident in his abilities, there should be no question in coming to the Big Apple.

His skill-set would be a big boost for the team, but I don’t believe it would be enough to help the Knicks to a playoff appearance. They’re simply still too young and don’t have a consistent point guard to lead the offense. There are still too many question marks that need answers and unproven talent. Morris will help, but not that much.

New York Knicks: Could Ignas Brazdeikis be better draft pick over Barrett?

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New York Knicks, Ignas Brazdeikis

While it’s too early to tell whether Duke star and New York Knicks 3rd overall draft choice RJ Barrett will become the force he’s expected to be, second-rounder Ignas Brazdeikis has shown incredible production so far.

The Summer League is generally a time where the teams can gauge their young talent and begin to see them take developmental steps before the regular season. Barrett, who’s averaged 21% from the field, has underwhelmed, but it’s not something we should worry about given his age and youth.

However, appreciating the success of youngsters is important. Brazdeikis has been on fire since starting with the Knicks, putting up 30-points in his latest effort against the Pheonix Suns, hitting a game-tying three-point shot with 25 seconds remaining on the clock.

What are the New York Knicks getting from the Lithuanian?

As a freshman with Michigan in the Big Ten conference, Ignas showed great offensive versatility and the ability to make an impact in that facet. He averaged a solid 14.8 points-per-game in 2018 (sports reference), but with more talent around him at the NBA level, I believe he will continue to grow and produce efficiently.

The Canadian earned Big Ten Rookie of the Year honors, displaying a diverse array of skills that will help him succeed at the next level. The 6-foot-7 forward has above-average ball-handling skills for his size, which enables him to push the ball up the court with speed and effectiveness.

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He created a lot of fast-break opportunities with this skill and I anticipate he will continue to utilize it in his rookie campaign. The ability to stretch the court and play fast is something that the Knicks have failed to do in the past — stopping opposing team’s momentum and creating some of their own was difficult, but Brazdeikis offers that to the Knicks.

Being a crafty finisher and athletic player on offense will help him earn playing time, but he will need to develop his defense if he wishes to be a regular player on the floor. There’s much he needs to work on, but he’s starting out at a good level at just 20-years-old.