In his time with the New York Knicks, RJ Barrett has been a solid player.
He averages 17.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game for his career, all respectable totals.
However, he hasn’t quite lived up to the lofty expectations of a No. 3 overall selection.
Still, at just 22 years old it appears that Barrett is in the middle of a season that could be a big breakout.
Here are two reasons why this could end up being a big year for Barrett.
2. Barrett On A Hot Streak
Prior to injuring his finger against the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 27, Barrett was posting solid stats.
He scored over 20 points in seven of his last nine games, including a 44-point outburst against the Chicago Bulls.
RJ BARRETT IS CLUTCH 🔥🔥
44 POINTS pic.twitter.com/2PlFHqoHOM
— KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) December 24, 2022
While he has shown glimpses of this kind of scoring output in the past, he has lacked the consistency to bring his game to the next level.
This hot streak has shown the importance of that consistency, and what it could mean for Barrett’s game if it can translate beyond just this stretch.
When he comes back from injury, Barrett will be tested to see if he can go beyond just being a streaky player, elevating his game so that it is a consistent expectation.
1. Improved 3-Point Shooting
While his season totals don’t show much of a difference in his three-point percentage, this recent stretch of good play shows that he may have figured something out.
Most points scored by a 22-year old this season
1. RJ Barrett
2. Tyrese Haliburton
3. Zion Williamson pic.twitter.com/GfoVg80shw— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) December 26, 2022
Over that nine-game stretch, Barrett has shot 46% from three.
This is well above his career average of 35.3%.
If Barrett has discovered something with his shot, it could help him elevate his game even further.
When he returns from injury, expect Barrett to keep this level of play up.
While his numbers are currently similar to those of last season, his recent hot streak shows that he might be prepared to turn a corner and take the next step in his career.
