Knicks' RJ Barrett Among NBA's Most 'Overrated'

RJ Barrett has averaged 18.1 points per game for the New York Knicks over the past four seasons, but why is he considered "overrated?"

Jeremy Brener | Aug 3, 2023

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New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are building their team around a couple of players, including RJ Barrett, the third overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Barrett, 23, is the highest draft pick currently on the roster and he has one of the highest ceilings.

However, he has yet to fulfill his true potential during his first four NBA seasons, leading Bleacher Report to label him as the second-most overrated player in the league over the past five seasons.

"Without free throws, Barrett has scored 3,958 points on 4,157 shot attempts, or 503.4 fewer than a league-average shooter would have. The only player further below zero during his career is Russell Westbrook, who is obviously doing a lot more as a passer and rebounder than Barrett," BR's Andy Bailey writes. "Regarding that plus-minus impact, the Knicks are minus-1.9 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor over his four seasons, compared to plus-3.9 without him.

Only Houston Rockets wing Dillon Brooks was named more "overrated" than Barrett.

Despite not living up to the high expectations he came into the league with, Barrett still earned a four-year, $107 million extension, which goes into effect next season, and was kept out of high-profile trades such as the ultimately futile Donovan Mitchell negotiations.

Barrett still has a ton of potential that he has yet to reach. He may not be the Knicks' best player, relinquishing that title to Jalen Brunson or Julius Randle, but he can still be a key piece to New York's success in the coming years if he continues to improve.

The Duke alum will get a chance to prove his worth at the upcoming FIBA World Cup, where he'll represent Team Canada.

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Published Aug 3, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.