Week 2 NBA Power Ranking – Things are ‘Heat’ing up

New York Knicks:

Offense: (99.6) – 28th
Defense: (108.9) –  22nd
Net: (minus -9.3) – 28th

Record: 1-6
Games Week 2: (1-3) Won vs. Bulls, lost to Magic, Celtics, and Kings
Games Week 3 (3 games): Wednesday, Nov. 6 at Pistons,| Friday, Nov. 8  at Mavericks | Sunday, Nov. 10 versus Cavaliers

RJ Barrett had another solid week of performances and is separating himself in the rookie class from his peers (although Ja Morant, Kendrick Nunn, Tyler Herro and PJ Washington will also have something to say here).

His break out game came versus Chicago when he dropped a line of 19 points, 15 rebounds (6 on offense) and five assists. After a sub-par effort versus a quality defensive Magic team, he had another stellar night against the Celtics filling up the stat sheet with 15 points, 7 rebounds (2 on offense), 5 assists plus a single steal and block.

Since the Knicks aren’t expecting (or shouldn’t be) to make the postseason this year is about development and growth. For that very reason David Fizdale needs to put the ball in Barrett’s hands in those clutch situations and he can’t play Dennis Smith Jr. with RJ if he wants the latter to ascend to the player he’s fated to become.

Moving forward the Knicks brain trust may want to reevaluate starting Smith when he returns because RJ is showcasing something special and New York should do everything in their power to help accelerate his growth.

While Zion Williamson mends from his knee surgery the Canadian has vaulted to the top of the rookie leader boards averaging 18.3 points, 6.2 boards, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 steals.

Barrett will definitely suffer ups and downs throughout the season particularly with his shooting, but the more David Fizdale incorporates him into the offense and gets him experience facing tough opponents the faster he’ll learn.