Knick Fans Choking on Barrett’s Minutes
RJ Barrett’s 6 of 22 in 44 mins. is very hard for Knick fans to swallow. This was especially true against the Portland Trailblazers because Quentin Grimes was everywhere on both ends of the floor. Grimes produced tipped balls, loose balls, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and 7 points on 3 of 6 shooting. Another 6 FGAs might have provided the Knicks their needed margin of victory.
Early in the first quarter., RJ received the ball at the top of the key early in the shot clock. He surveyed the defense as though his only thought was. “How can I score.” After 12 dribbles, Barrett made a weak attempt at a score on a floater in the lane.Then Thibs subbed in IQ and McB for RJ and Brunson.
The ‘eye test’ and stats align. The accompanying statistics are based on the rotation players who played at least 50 games, 45 for the shortened 2019 -20 season. The per 36 minute numbers are used where needed.
| Year | MPG | Rank | FGAs | Rank | eFG% | Rank | BPM | Rank | TOs | Rank | Pts |
| 2022-23 | 34.6 | 1st | 16.4 | 1st | 0.439 | 11th of 11 | -4.4 | 11th of 11 | 2.4 | 8th of 10 | 19.1 |
| 2021 – 22 | 34.5 | 2nd | 17.1 | 2nd | 0.466 | 9th 0f 10 | -1.6 | 8th of 10 | 2.2 | 9th of 10 | 20 |
| 2019 -20 | 34.9 | 2nd | 14.7 | 2nd | 0.499 | 5th of 8 | -1.2 | 8th of 8 | 1.9 | 2nd of 8 | 17.6 |
It is true that RJ has been a slow starter in his first two years. But his later improvements haven’t been significant enough for him to achieve average efficiency by year’s end. Now there are two players who are much better defenders than Barrett. Would starting Cam Reddish and Quentin Grimes, along with Randle, Brunson and Robinson give the Knicks a better chance of winning?
Pros: The team would be a better defensive unitThe ball may move better with Reddish and Randle knowing that there would be more shots available to them;
The locker room will know that performance determines PT;
RJ will re-evaluate his skill set and take the steps necessary to be a better team player.
Cons: Randle and Reddish could return to their selfish play;
The change from ‘face of the franchise’ to rotation player could change RJ’s positive attitude;
The pressure of replacing Barrett could prevent Grimes from playing his best.
When Cam Reddish returns to the starting lineup, RJ Barrett will remain a starter. But Coach Thibs should begin to increase Grimes minutes with the starters at the expense of RJ Barrett. The second unit plays a more up tempo game with IQ, Obi, Sims and Rose. This works to RJ’s strength, just as the half court game emphasizes his flaws. There is more reason to accept that Barrett has reached his ceiling than to believe he will grow to become an all-star.