Draft Thread: Knicks got #3 - Combine and Beyond

[Fury]

[Traveyknicks23]

No love for RJ huh

[Wonderllama]

I like how most Knicks fans have seemingly declared him a bust in like 30 minutes

Should be a poll in this thread!

[Juggynaut]

We got a top 3 pick so I'm a happy man.

[G_K_F]

[13th Man]

KD and RJ, is this a good combo?

[13th Man]

Or KD, Kyrie and RJ. Looks like a good trio to me. A shooter, a ball handler, and a transition player!

[aggo]

RJ reminds me of a lesson i learned when I was watching Dangelo Russell in college.


I was 10000% convinced DLo was going to be a star in the NBA. I even said he was gonna become a better Ginobili. But in the back of my mind I also knew that he wouldnt be able to get a lot of the shots he had in college in the NBA. He needed time to develop his moves down the lane as a PG.

RJ is probably gonna be a productive player when its all said and done.


But his production wont be on his rookie contract.

[msanchez2725]

Zion and RJ in NO? That would create some major buzz for the Pelicans. As long as we can keep Mitch, I would probably pull the trigger for AD. But if we do keep the pick I think RJ will be a solid player.

[kej718]

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

He can still end up being the best player in this years draft.

https://www.nbadraft.net/players/rj-barrett

NBA Comparison: Danny Granger
Strengths: Lefty 2-guard who plays the game with a lot of determination and energy ... Excellent finishing footwork after gathering dribble with Eurostep and hop step and sidesteps that he uses to weave around defenders ... Much stronger than his frame suggests ... Aggressive, physical, creates contact and draws fouls ... Excellent craftiness as a finisher and finds ways to get defenders off balance ... Great body control in the paint, nice runners and finger rolls in close ... Good with use of pivots, and utilizes fakes effectively ... Has a great first step off the catch and against close outs ... Fast in open court, often beats several guys in transition ... Able to fluidly change direction going full speed ... High basketball IQ, gets to the open spots on the floor, moves well without the ball, runs the lanes in transition, moves into passing angles ... Instinctive scorer who finds gaps as a driver with great pacing, hesitations and moves inside. 6’7 with a strong frame and good length ... Prototypical wing ... Quick twitch ... Changes direction on a dime after picking up dribble ... Plays hard, loves running the court, timing and positioning as a rebounder ... Size and quickness to switch multiple positions defensively ... Moves his feet well as on ball defender, good lateral agility ... Hard to keep up with him in open court already but strength makes it easy to brush off defenders and finish in traffic ... With no pressure on his handle in open court is really fast changing directions ... Improved vision a lot over the past year, good recognition and unselfish ... Doesn’t get out of control ... Decent shooter off the catch when his feet are set ...

Weaknesses: May have peaked to some degree in high school as he was clearly the top kid in his class as a senior in HS ... Outside shot lacks great form and confidence seems to waver ... Good athlete, fast in transition and can explode in space but doesn’t necessarily play above the rim or have great explosiveness in half court situations ... Needs to improve his ball handling to become a more efficient half court player ... Left hand dominant, looks awkward dribbling or finishing with his right ... Almost always ends up going back to his left hand ... Isn’t aggressive off the ball defensively, doesn’t rotate hard ... Could look to take advantage of his physical tools more defensively and create more turnovers ... Poor ball control, handle is high and loose, struggles to make passes off the dribble ... Poor shooter off the dribble and has a relatively slow and inconsistent release ... Needs time to get it off cleanly ... Not accurate with his passes, sloppy ball placement ... Can get too caught up in playing hero ball and get tunnel vision trying to create and not looking for teammates at the end of games ... Fearless approach can end up being overconfidence ... Seems to have an alpha personality, but may need to learn to adjust his game some and defer more at the next level ... Sort of a jack of all trades, master of none type ...

Notes: Measured 6’6.5 in shoes, 208 lbs, 6’9 wingspan, 8’6 standing reach at the 2018 Nike Hoop Summit ... Full name is Rowan Alexander Barrett Born on June 16, 2000, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada ... Son of Kesha and Rowan Barrett ... Has a brother, Nathan ... Father played basketball for St. John's and played professionally overseas from 1997 to 2008 ... Father is the Executive Vice President and Assistant General Manager of Canada Basketball ... Mother ran track in college at St. John's ... Godfather is former NBA star Steve Nash.

William Desautelle 4/4/19

Strengths: 6’6.5 left handed wing … Good size and length for position with a 6’9 wingspan and 8’6.5 standing reach … Natural and high-level athleticism ... Quick first step and ability to elevate ... Gets up well jumping off one or both feet …. Can finish dunks and layups in traffic with either hand ... Very good body control, changes direction and speeds well … Led the Nike EYBL in scoring with 28 points per game ... Can create for himself and others ... Shooting range extends to the three-point line ... Good step back jumper and scoring ability from midrange ... Developing touch on floater ... Can lead and finish in transition ... Pushes the ball at every opportunity, also effective in the half court ... Consistently attacks and doesn’t shy away from contact or physicality ... Draws numerous fouls and gets to the free throw line at a high rate ... Shot 13.8 free throws per game over the Nike EYBL ... Rebounds very well for a wing. Finished top five on the Nike EYBL with 10.8 per game, with 3.5 coming on offense ... Great tools, athleticism, and competitiveness as a defender. Doesn’t loaf and takes pride in trying to lock up his assignment … Shows an understanding of moving without the ball and spaces the floor ... Good court vision and passing ability. Reads the help defender and finds the open man when attacking ... Effective as the ball handler in the pick and roll. Good touch on lob passes and accuracy on bounce passes through traffic; knows when to use them appropriately ... Can cover a lot of ground in a few dribbles ... Plays well in isolation and controls his defender. Good slashing ability. Can get to the rim off the dribble and attacks any gap in the defense. Protects the ball when driving ... Improved strength from junior to senior year and noticeably handles contact better … Consistently aggressive and competes. Vocal leader, directs traffic, and shows an advanced overall approach to the game for his age. Has winning characteristics and intangibles ...Moves well off the ball … Impacts the game without scoring … Whether it’s scoring, getting an assist, or drawing a foul – he’s consistently making a play ... High floor/low bust potential …

Weaknesses: Very smooth athlete, but not overly explosive ... More of a streaky shooter right now ... Shot is flat, needs some adjustment as he has a low trajectory and his release is not clean ... His shot has shown improvement, but his jump shooting isn’t a consistent weapon yet, especially off the dribble ... Shot selection can improve. Shot 31.2% from three over the Nike EYBL ... Struggles when defenders purposely give him space on the perimeter ... Poor free throw shooter at 58.2% over the Nike EYBL … Ball handling can improve especially with his right hand ... Gets sloppy at times and tends to dribble a bit high ... While he distributes well, he can force his passing and driving. Can have tunnel vision at times, predetermining his moves and making it predictable when he’s going to shoot ... Finished with three assists to 3.4 turnovers per game over the Nike EYBL … Tends to rely on natural ability at this stage … Can improve finishing around the rim in traffic ... Can be out of control when driving at times ... Although UPLAY Canada lacked a point guard and their offense didn’t have ideal flow to it, Barrett can improve his 43.5% from the field over the Nike EYBL ...

Outlook: Incoming Duke freshman and head of the top recruiting class … Has played well in every high-profile event he’s played in throughout his career … Finished with 20 points, nine rebounds, six assists and five steals at the 2018 Nike Hoop Summit … Scored 26 points in the McDonald’s All-American Game while shooting 10-16 … Named to the Jordan Brand Classic ... Led Canada to win the gold medal in the 2017 U19 Basketball World Cup averaging 21.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. Including 38 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists over the US … Played in the 2017 Nike Hoop Summit ... As a senior, led Montverde to a 37-0 record … Named MVP of the GEICO High School Nationals scoring 25 points and grabbing 15 rebounds to win the championship game. As a junior, led Montverde to finish runner up at the 2017 Dick’s Nationals, scoring 25 points in the championship game ... MVP of the 2017 Basketball Without Borders ... MVP of the 2016 Jordan Brand Classic International Game with 22 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in 25 minutes ... While UPLAY Canada struggled through the Nike EYBL (3-13 overall, 2-6 when Barrett played), Barrett thrived statistically in the two sessions he played in ...

Evan Tomes 6/26/18

Strengths: 6’6.5 left handed wing … Good size and length for position with a 6’10 wingspan and 8’6.5 standing reach … Natural and high-level athleticism ... Quick first step and ability to elevate ... Finishes and plays above the rim in a way that most of his peers can’t contest or match. Can finish dunks with either hand ... Very good body control and changes speeds well … Led the Nike EYBL in scoring with 28 points per game ... Can serve as a scorer and distributor ... Shooting range extends to the three-point line ... Good step back jumper and scoring ability from midrange ... Developing touch on floater ... Can lead and finish in transition ... Pushes the ball at every opportunity, also effective in the half court ... Consistently attacks and doesn’t shy away from contact or physicality ... Draws numerous fouls and gets to the free throw line at a high rate ... Shot 13.8 free throws per game over the Nike EYBL ... Rebounds very well for a wing. Finished top five on the Nike EYBL with 10.8 per game, with 3.5 coming on offense ... Great tools, athleticism, and willingness as a defender … Shows an understanding of moving without the ball and spaces the floor ... Good court vision and passing ability. Reads the help defender and finds the open man when attacking ... Effective as the ball handler in the pick and roll. Good touch on lob passes and accuracy on bounce passes through traffic; knows when to use them appropriately ... Can cover a lot of ground in a few dribbles ... Plays well in isolation and controls his defender. Can get to the rim off the dribble and attacks any gap in the defense. Protects the ball when driving ... Consistently aggressive and competes. Vocal leader, directs traffic, and shows an advanced overall approach to the game for his age ... Whether it’s scoring, getting an assist, or drawing a foul – he’s consistently making a play ...

Weaknesses: Very smooth athlete, but not overly explosive ... More of a streaky shooter right now ... Shot is flat, needs some adjustment as he has a low trajectory and his release is not clean ... Can shoot from three but can still improve as his jump shooting isn’t a consistent weapon yet ... Shot 31.2% from three over the Nike EYBL ... Struggles when defenders purposely give him space on the perimeter ... Poor free throw shooter at 58.2% over the Nike EYBL … Ball handling can improve especially with his right hand ... Gets sloppy at times and tends to dribble a bit high ... While he distributes well, he can force his passing and driving ... Finished with three assists to 3.4 turnovers per game over the Nike EYBL … Tends to rely on natural ability at this stage … Can improve finishing around the rim in traffic ... Draws fouls at a solid rate but struggles with contact due to lack of strength ... Can be out of control when driving at times and tends to try to draw contact over making a simpler finish ... Although UPLAY Canada lacked a point guard and their offense didn’t have ideal flow to it, Barrett can improve his 43.5% from the field over the Nike EYBL ...

Outlook: One of the top talents in the 2018 high school class after reclassifying over the summer ... Played in the Nike Hoop Summit ... Led Montverde to finish runner up at Dick’s Nationals, scoring 25 points in the championship game ... MVP of Basketball Without Borders ... MVP of the Jordan Brand Classic International Game with 22 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in 25 minutes ... While UPLAY Canada struggled through the Nike EYBL (3-13 overall, 2-6 when Barrett played), Barrett thrived statistically in the two sessions he played in ... Measured 6'6.5 (in shoes) 208 lbs, with a 6'9 wingspan and 8'6.5 standing reach at the 2018 Nike Hoop Summit

Evan Tomes 11/1/17

Strengths: 6’6 left handed wing … Good size and length for position … Natural and high level athleticism. Quick first step and elevation. Finishes and plays above the rim in a way that most of his peers can’t contest or match ... Very good body control and changes speeds well … Can serve as a scorer and distributor. Shooting range extends to the three point line. Good step back jumper and scoring ability from midrange. Developing touch on floater. Can lead and finish in transition. Pushes the ball at every opportunity, also effective in the half court. Draws numerous fouls and gets to the free throw line at a high rate … Shows ability to drive and finish with his right hand on occasions … Rebounds well for a wing … Great tools, athleticism, and willingness as a defender … Shows an understanding of moving without the ball and spaces the floor … Good court vision and passing ability. Reads the help defender and finds the open man when attacking. Effective as the ball handler in the pick and roll. Good touch on lob passes and accuracy on bounce passes through traffic; knows when to use them appropriately … Plays well in isolation and controls his defender. Can get to the rim off the dribble and attacks any gap in the defense. Protects the ball when driving … Vocal leader, directs traffic, and shows an advanced overall approach to the game for his age …

Weaknesses: Although he can knock down shots from three, he’s not a consistent jump shooter yet. Shoots better when he pulls up with confidence but tends to hesitate. Struggles when defenders purposely give him space on the perimeter … Ball handling can improve especially with his right hand. Gets sloppy at times and tends to dribble a bit high … Tends to rely on natural ability at this stage … Can improve finishing around the rim in traffic. Draws fouls at a solid rate but struggles with contact due to lack of strength. Can be out of control when driving at times and tends to try to draw contact over making a simpler finish … Rotates well defensively but uses his hands and leaves his feet too much …

Outlook: Barrett is known as one of the top talents of the 2019 high school class. He led his team to victory at the Jordan Brand Classic International Game to earn MVP with 22 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in 25 minutes … Played for UPLAY Canada on the Nike EYBL at the 16U level where he finished second in the league in scoring and third in free throw attempts with 25. Barrett averaged 25.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.

Notes: Son of former Canadian National Team Member and Assistant GM/Executive VP of the Canadian Senior Mens Team, Rowan Barrett ... Name is "Rowan Barrett Jr.", goes by "RJ"

[NYKat]

Maybe our crack development staff can maximize his potential, his ceiling is borderline all star small forward...

[TruthBeTold]

Maybe the Pelicans will want to team up Zion and RJ on the same team again, so the Knicks still have a chance to get AD if he still wants to be traded.

[Chanel Bomber]

Big believer in RJ. The guys at Draftexpress seem to believe in him too.

I said in one of the March Madness threads he might become a better NBA player than Zion. He's an excellent playmaker for a swingman his age. RJ often initiated offense at Duke which helped Zion get a lot of easy buckets. I trust his competitive spirit. I think he's going to be a dominant athlete offensively, similar to how Kawhi is able to impose his will physically. My only concern with him (and it's a major concern) is his FT%. If he can fix his jumpshot, I think he could be a difference-maker in the NBA.

I want Barrett in New York.

[smw6230]

Maybe the Pelicans will want to team up Zion and RJ on the same team again, so the Knicks still have a chance to get AD if he still wants to be traded.

Sure, NO would LOVE to do that deal. They get RJ & Mitch, and some FRP, DS Jr, and Knox.

They can use all that to build around the guy NY wanted to build around.

For that you get to pay Anthony Davis a max contract (even though he's often injured) in a quest to win a ring within 3 years.

If you fail to win a ring in that time frame you're back on the rebuilding treadmill in 4 years looking up at New Orleans (or Seattle) winning games with a young core while wondering why the Knicks can never do something like that.

Its nothing personal Truth. I'm just bitter that after 40 years of futility our fanbase still looks for a quick fix (...because we're NY and we have to win RIGHT NOW!) that has repeatedly failed this franchise every time they've tried it.

[DOT]

Edited the title just cause Memphis could take RJ, it's not a guarantee he's still there or we don't just trade the pick

[BeagleBoss]

Jalen Rose 2.0

Not a bust but not a Super Star either. Decent 3rd banana on a good team but it will take him time. He plays too wild, no pace and his jumper needs to improve dramatically. But he should have a nice career. It just won't be as good as what you should get with the 3rd pick normally but it's a weak class.

[blueNorange]

let’s get 3toheads favorite darius garland.

[Latrell]

You guys made out like bandits .

I don’t believe Zion to be as good as RJ or Ja . He basically bullies college kids . He’s an atheltic freak but he doesn’t have the skill or length to be that effective in the NBA . Add to that the added pressure of being a #1 overall pick in the city of New York .

A guy like RJ who can get you at least 12-14 ppg right away would be nice complement to someone like KD if he ends up picking the Knicks.
I just find RJ or Ja are more of a fit in today’s NBA because they today’s league is going more towards skill and not just being a physical freak. Cause Zion ain’t the type of physical freak as Giannis or even a guy like Siakam who are graceful and can get to the rim in like 1 stride from the top of the key. Not saying Zion will be a bust but I don’t think his bully ball will translate as well.

[Marty McFly]

i think RJ has the chance to be a diet James harden.

[ny-n-md]

Can he play the 2? With Knox at 3 and KD possibly coming there would be an obvious logjam.

Does Memphis draft him and leave us with Ja as the pick? Then I think you have to pursue a trade for AD. Ja and Zion as cornerstones? Exciting! What else would we have to give up?