Young Knicks swingman R.J. Barrett is turning some heads lately. Via the New York Newsday:
When the offensively challenged Knicks won at Golden State on Thursday to begin a four-game road trip, it seemed worth noting that RJ Barrett had led the way with a career-high 28 points.
But when Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau talked about Barrett after the game, he made his way through a number of compliments and never got to the scoring output as something worth praising…
While Julius Randle has been the offensive leader for the Knicks, Barrett has emerged as a steady sidekick. His offense has not always been steady, but his play has been. After Thursday’s game, they were tied atop the NBA in total minutes played at 593 (37.1 per game). They have teamed up for a heavy workload, helping spearhead a defensive unit that has allowed the fewest points per game in the league at 102.8.
The Knicks are a solid 8-8 this season, and have played better than many people expected. They are being lead in scoring by Julius Randle at 22.4 points per game, Alec Burks at 18.3 ppg (though in just four games played), Barrett at 17.8 ppg, and Elfrid Payton at 13.3 ppg.
