RJ Barrett Has a Lot To Prove For 2023-24 New York Knicks
After their most successful season in a decade, the New York Knicks are looking to knock on the doors of the NBA Finals.
Alas for the Knicks, the doors figure to be locked for at least another year considering the happenings in the Eastern Conference: Boston and Miami remain strong and the Milwaukee Bucks adding Damian Lillard to their Giannis Antetokounmpo-led core, the Knicks are not favored to make noise in the East.
However, the Cleveland Cavaliers overperformed last season, the Philadelphia 76ers are in disarray, and the Brooklyn Nets traded away their top-level talent. With Jalen Brunson emerging as a darkhorse All-NBA selection, the Knicks could be in a favorable spot, even if a championship isn't to be.
Those ahead of the Knicks, namely, Boston, Miami, and Milwaukee, are slightly older, giving New York a chance to take advantage sooner rather than later. New York is headlined by Brunson, Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, and Josh Hart, none of whom are 30.
After investing big money in Barrett last summer ($107 million guaranteed over four years) the Knicks seem to have a plan of action. Among those from last year's nine-man rotation, Immanuel Quickley is the only player on an expiring contract but he could sign an extension closer to the start of the season. Other than that, the core and young talent seem set in stone.
With Barrett being one of the highest-paid players on the roster, he's expected to be one of the Knicks' headliners now and later, even if there's an outside chance he could come off the bench this season. That choice would not only be made based on his play but also based on the success of his teammates. If Barrett, the $107 million man, takes a seat on the bench, the famously patient Knicks fanbase won't be pleased whether the team is winning or losing.
Barrett (R) guards Oklahoma City's Shia Gilgeous-Alexander
To be much more optimistic, it could seem like Barrett is poised for a breakout. While he noticeably regressed in several major categories last season, he is now surrounded by more weapons than ever before and the Knicks won’t be relying on him to create for himself. If he has a solid year, the contract is a bargain. If he is moved to the bench, the Knicks might look to trade him to a rebuilding team for an established player, such as Malcolm Brogdon, Doug McDermott, Devontae’ Graham, or Dejounte Murray.
The Knicks gave a four-year, $107 million contract to a player comparable to Keldon Johnson, who signed for four years and $74 million in San Antonio. As it stands, Johnson has averaged more rebounds, a better percentage from the field, strong efficiency, and has played better defense ... all for $33 million less.
Usually, when a player heads to the bench, it’s seen as selfless, an act of winning However, when the player is getting paid like a franchise man, they need to play like a franchise man.
Barrett is a frustrating case. Anyone who watches him play knows that he can be the best player on a good team, but he is yet to take that leap. The Knicks paid him expecting him to do it, but the young wing needs to show that he can, or another fanbase might be cheering for him come February.
