New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale will experiment a bit going into this season, potentially giving No. 3 overall pick RJ Barrett some time to run the offense at point guard. Barrett is primed to be a starter at one of the wing spots, but Fizdale is hoping he can see some production from him running the offense.
“Absolutely,” said Fizdale of potentially playing the rookie at point guard, according to Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic. “I've thrown him at that position a couple times already… played some of that in college. I think it adds another layer to how dynamic he can be. Especially having someone that big, that can switch things and do some different things defensively. So yeah I'm going to sprinkle that in here and there.”
Barrett didn't play point guard at Duke, but he did have plenty of opportunities to become the primary ballhandler, even with two lottery picks in the same lineup in Cam Reddish and No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson.
Fizdale likes what he's seen from Barrett when he's been given the ball, praising his decision-making and unselfish nature when handling the ball.
“I do. He's really poised. He looks really comfortable,” said Fizdale. “The kid likes having the ball in his hands. And he's unselfish — he finds people. He knows our plays from that position. So I feel very comfortable if I have to throw him there.”
Barrett added that he was sure he could handle the responsibility.
RJ Barrett has no doubts he could handle this responsibility.
"If I couldn't," Barrett says, "I wouldn't be here." https://t.co/0nVZTfkocK
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) October 15, 2019
The Knicks still have a quality starter in Dennis Smith Jr., but having an extra playmaker in this team never hurts, especially with none of their offseason signings besides Elfrid Payton being known for their passing ability.
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