RJ Barrett, a forward for the New York Knicks, has improved greatly thus far this season, and his play on the defensive end of the court has been particularly noteworthy.
This season, RJ Barrett is playing lockdown defense.
According to KnicksMuse on X, in the six games that Barrett has played this season, opponents are shooting 40.3% from the field while he is guarding them. Barrett guarded opponents’ field goals last season, and this improvement is undoubtedly a positive step for the fifth-year forward.
The Knicks’ success this season on that end of the court is largely due to Barrett’s defensive skills. After the Timberwolves, they have the second-best defensive rating (103.7) and the second-most defensive field goals made per game (378.8) in the NBA.
Barrett’s defense combined with other potent defenders like Mitchell Robinson and Quentin Grimes has been a major factor in why the New York Mets are 4-4 so far this season rather than having a worse record, especially considering how bad their offense has been so far this season.
In addition to his offensive shortcomings from the previous season, his defensive issues were a clear setback. However, if he keeps up his current performance in 2023, he has the potential to develop into a reliable two-way player who can contribute to the team every night.
Barrett advancing toward a long-term position with the Knicks
Barrett’s game and long-term fit with the Knicks were questioned going into the season, but he has so far proven his critics wrong and put up impressive performances on both ends.
When Barrett and the Knicks play the Hornets at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Barrett will be hoping to build on his impressive start.