The New York Knicks are still struggling to have a serious impact on the Eastern Conference but no one can deny that they have some very talented players on the roster.
Obviously, guys like Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle get the most attention.
But RJ Barrett is deserving of a lot of praise and celebration too.
RJ Barrett First 25 Games
18.2 PTS | 5.4 REB | 2.8 AST | 51% TSRJ Barrett Last 16 Games
24.9 PTS | 5.9 REB | 3.1 AST | 58% TS pic.twitter.com/TaaGBqJnXG— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) January 23, 2023
That is especially true when you look at the development and growth he has experienced over the last few months.
During his first 25 games, Barrett averaged 18.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on a 51% true shooting percentage.
In his last 16 games, he has stepped it up even more: Barrett has produced 24.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists on 58%.
For the season, Barrett is averaging 20.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists and has continually earned his place as one of New York’s starters.
Barrett had a particularly good game on Sunday night, scoring a team-high 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists against the Toronto Raptors.
The Knicks still lost that game but Barrett’s showing was one of his best this season.
As for the Knicks, they are fighting hard to climb higher in the Eastern Conference standings.
Right now, the team is 7th in their conference, which is much better than their 11th-place finish last season but still far from their final 4th-place standing a couple of seasons ago.
There are possibly some changes on the horizon for the Knicks but Barrett is likely here to stay for some time.
The same is true for Brunson and probably Randle too.
New players may come and old players may go but Barrett has secured his spot on the roster and is hoping to help his team achieve their former glory.
NEXT: The Knicks And Bucks Are Talking Of A Possible Trade