New York Knicks' RJ Barrett On Pace for 1st All-Star Game Appearance?
Despite some solid play over his first four NBA seasons, RJ Barrett has not made an All-Star Game. But considering the way his New York Knicks have played when he's on and off the floor, that could change once voting gets underway.
Though Barrett's season has been interrupted by injuries, including migraines that have kept him out of the last two contests, he has stood as the Knicks' clear MVP over the first ten-plus showings: in seven games, Barrett is averaging 22.6 points and 3.1 assists, both of which would be season-long career-bests.
New York Knicks forward RJ Barrett (9) drives past Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11)
USA TODAY SPORTS
Barrett's greatest impact appears in the standings: the Knicks (6-5) have won five of the seven games where the Duke alum has taken the floor. They're 1-3 when he has sat out, with the only win coming on Wednesday night in Atlanta.
"I just think I have a little better rhythm and, of course, I think I'm growing as a player," Barrett said of his development, per Ian Begley of SNY. "It's a system that I've been able to be in for a little bit... It's kind of easy because I understand and know the reads, and so do my teammates."
One of the main demerits that has kept Barrett from the All-Star conversation has been his effort from the field, but he has appeared to have cleaned up his act this time around. So far this season, he has sunk 48.7 percent of his tries from the field, including 20-of-40 from three-point range.
With his start to the season, Barrett is perhaps finally living up to his third overall pick billing from the 2019 draft. For the time being, it's hard not to see him partaking in this February's All-Star Game in Indianapolis, which will return to a conference-based format for the first time since 2017.
The Knicks will be back in action on Friday night against the Washington Wizards (7 p.m. ET, MSG).
