When this season started, a lot of hype surrounded Zion Williamson and Ja Morant, two of the top rookies last season. Rightfully so, because they represent their respective franchise’s future and their best hope to contend. While everyone’s attention was directed at them, there was not nearly as much fanfare left for New York Knicks youngster RJ Barrett.
The third pick in the 2019 NBA Draft entered the league with a lot of people expecting him to save the Knicks. Unfortunately, his daily averages of 14.3 points on abysmal 40.2% shooting from the field and 32.0% from 3 were not enough to push New York over the hump. As a result, Barrett was left off everyone’s radar, including the card market itself.
After a tumultuous rookie season and a coaching change, RJ Barrett has turned the tables around as a sophomore. We take a look below at three reasons why the Maple Mamba is a massive sleeper hit this coming postseason.
His 3-Pointer Has Taken A Leap
One of the criticisms thrown at RJ Barrett last year was his ineffectiveness from downtown. During his rookie season, he attempted 197 3-pointers and only hit on that 32.0% clip. As a result, New York’s spacing whenever he was on the floor wasn’t ideal.
Barrett’s woes last season are not evident now. In fact, he has taken a leap in this aspect, which has drastically improved his overall game. In the 68 games he has played this season, Barrett is attempting 4.2 shots from beyond the arc and hitting 40.3% of them. This improvement opens up New York’s spacing, giving Julius Randle more room to operate inside the paint.
Put in the work. See the results.
RJ shooting 40.3% from three this season. pic.twitter.com/7sgaOsVUwU
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 10, 2021
What was once a weakness in his game is now a potent weapon that truly elevates Barrett’s game. The second-year player will have a chance to test his improved shot soon in the postseason. If he’s successful, his offense will truly become a force to be reckoned with.
The Knicks Are Playoff-Bound
After seven years, the New York Knicks are going back to the playoffs. They’re firmly planted in the fourth spot in the East with a 38-30 record, giving them a good chance to at least make the second round. Thanks to the Knicks’ resurgence, a lot of hype is now building up to their impending postseason comeback.
Said hype will surely trickle down to notable players playing for the Knicks. Foremost among them is Julius Randle, and RJ Barrett is next. If the latter performs well by getting enough buckets and containing his assignment, you can be sure Barrett's stock will enjoy an increase.
Barrett Can Be New York’s X-Factor In The Postseason
It’s a given Julius Randle will handle most of the Knicks’ offense, while Nerlens Noel will anchor the defense. Meanwhile, Derrick Rose will come off the bench and provide an instant spark when the team needs it. While these players certainly have their roles to play, it’s RJ Barrett who can tip the balance in the Knicks’ favor.
This season, the sophomore is averaging 17.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 34.9 minutes per game. His defense has improved thanks to Tom Thibodeau’s tutelage. Take these factors together and you’ve got a player who has enough talent to help the Knicks win a playoff series.
As of now, Barrett’s PSA 10 base Prizm rookie card is valued at $149 on eBay. As compared to Williamson and Morant, this price is still considered to be affordable. With the Knicks poised to make the playoffs soon, there’s no better time to hoard the Maple Mamba’s rookie cards than now.
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