VIDEO: Knicks' RJ Barrett Does Canadian Battle With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
New York Knicks small forward RJ Barrett had a career season in his third season in 2021-22, becoming the youngest Manhattanite to average 20 points a game. However, despite a strong playoff run, Barrett suffered statistical dips in nearly every major category, a troubling sign as he prepares to embark on the first year of a nine-figure contract extension this fall.
This offseason has offered plenty of time and opportunities to form a consistent jumper from the midrange and downtown. He got a high-profile chance to get started on those shortcomings, as video from Team Canada's preparation for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup depicted the Knicks' homegrown talent battling the Oklahoma City Thunder's All-NBA point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
It was a fast-paced drill, each player taking turns shooting on the free throw ring before an immediate three-pointer. Gilgeous-Alexander and Barrett both sink their two sets of shots (two midrange and two threes each), but the Thunder guard nailed his next set and earned victory when Barrett missed the opening shot to end the drill.
The 32-country World Cup will begin on Aug. 25. In addition to Barrett and Gilgeous-Alexander, Team Canada has a ton of NBA talent, including Jamal Murray, Dillon Brooks, and Lu Dort. The Road Warriors will be playing in Group H, which consists of France, Latvia, and Lebanon, trying to overcome a disappointing showing in the 2019 edition when they failed to get out of opening pool play in China. While the lineups are yet to be announced, Barrett will likely be a member of the starting five.
Barrett is one of several Knicks playing in the FIBA World Cup. Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart will play for Team USA, while Quentin Grimes is on the select team. Evan Fournier will play for France.
You can follow Hunter De Siver on Twitter @HunterDeSiver.
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