NEW YORK — As a wayward season is prompting fans to again look toward the draft and potential trades for saviors, RJ Barrett is forcing another question: do the Knicks already have a future star on the roster?
Barrett got a “yes” out of Jimmy Butler following Friday’s 46-point performance in a loss to the Heat, the highest total for a Knick since Carmelo Anthony eight years ago.
If Barrett hadn’t missed so many free throws, he could’ve easily topped 50.
“He had a helluva game, an all-around game at that,” Butler said. “We all know he’s capable of that. I don’t think anybody is surprised or should be surprised. He’s definitely going to be playing in this league for a long time and he’s going to be the face of the Knicks.”
Barrett’s ascension began on New Year’s Eve, kickstarting a 21-game stretch with the following averages: 23.8 points and six rebounds on 44% shooting. He’s also frequently guarding the opposition’s best player, whether it’s Butler or LeBron James.
The same concerns remain with Barrett: his jumper is streaky, and he’s not quick enough to dribble by defenders without a running start.
Still, Barrett’s mindset is progressing into an alpha at just 21 years old. Earlier this month against the Lakers, he asked to guard LeBron and outscored the four-time MVP.
“His confidence. You could see it in the body language, you could see it in his face,” Heat All-Star Bam Adebayo said. “He wants to be that guy. You could see he wants to take his team to another level. You could see it in his body language. He’s playing free. He’s not even thinking about what shots to take, when to take them.”
Barrett agreed this is the best stretch of his career. It seems like he’s gotten a better handle on the defense, getting to his strong hand even when the defense attempts to prevent him from going left.
“100 percent. I feel like I’ve been trying to be more consistent, trying to be aggressive but without forcing,” he said. “Reading the defense, reading what they’re doing, matchups.”
The other side of this equation is Julius Randle. The power forward was top dog last season, earning the awards, the adulation and a $107 million contract extension.
Randle’s style puts the ball in his hands, making him a less than ideal No. 2 next to Barrett or whomever else. Only seven times all season have Randle and Barrett scored at least 20 points apiece in the same game.
On Friday, it was Barrett’s turn. Randle missed 13 of his 15 shot attempts and chalked it up to his fluky post All-Star break struggles.
“Can’t remember the last good game I’ve had after the All-Star break, to be 100 percent honest with you,” Randle said. “I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true.”
Where does Barrett’s rise leave the Knicks and Randle? Can they count on this continuing? What is the ceiling for a wing without an elite shot or athleticism?
These are important questions for the rest of the season, but Barrett has been providing some encouraging answers for the last two months.
