The New York Knicks took a leap of faith in RJ Barrett this week after agreeing to extend his contract for another $120 million.
While a solid young player, Barrett hasn’t shown that he’s worth that kind of money yet and the Knicks took a big risk in giving him such a huge payday.
Around the league, fellow executives and analysts are split on the move and on the potential of Barrett, who has shown some flashes of stardom.
Barrett is one of those players who tends to evoke strong emotions league-wide, with few having a down-the-middle take on what his future holds. Over the years, I’ve had so many conversations about him with NBA general manager levels to front-office members to NBA pro personnel scouts to scouts on the college side that I’ve lost count. And the takeaway is simple: He is polarizing, and evaluators feel that way for reasons in Barrett’s control, and outside of it.
From a simple evaluation perspective, some scouts believe in the shooting improvements he’s made, while others don’t seem to buy his touch and ability to be consistent long term. Some people in league circles will point to his aggressiveness and physicality as a driver as a reason to buy him long term, while others worry about the fact that he’s more of a below-the-rim athlete and don’t love his touch at the basket. Some love his ability to get downhill, but others question what happens from a decision-making perspective in terms of his shot selection and passing once he gets that head of steam. From a value perspective, some see him as a future All-Star; others are less sold and think he’s probably just a starter.
Barrett, 22, is preparing to enter his fourth season in the league and expectations couldn’t be higher. After making jumps each year, and receiving a massive financial reward for it, the pressure is on for RJ to prove his worth and live up to his very expensive contract.
With averages of 17.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game on 41.8% shooting, there is a strong belief that he can be a star in this league — but it will be up to him to work for it.
