RJ Barrett missed his first six shots in the Knicks preseason opener on Friday. Then it overheated.
Barrett has made 17 of his last 27 preseason shots. Sunday went 10 of 17 in the Knicks’ defeat to Detroit – one of the few bright spots in a game that Tom Thibodeau has labeled a regression for New York.
Barrett was able to get to the paint and made several hits in the midrange. Later, an NBA staff man from another team felt that Barrett’s shot was stronger.
“He seemed to be balanced better, repeating himself more. The recovery looked much better, ”the explorer said.
The 20-year-old’s perimeter shot is widely regarded as a key to his growth as a player. Barrett’s shot was inconsistent last season. Obviously, if Barrett can take down perimeter shots, he becomes a bigger threat on offense.
This is an area worth keeping an eye on for Barrett and New York this season.