NBA 2019-20: 3 reasons why New York Knicks can make the playoffs next season

#1 RJ Barrett holds the key to a franchise-changing year

RJ Barrett might secure the Knicks their first playoff berth in 5 seasons

Starting off slow, RJ picked up pace to end a strong summer league campaign, averaging 15.4 points, 8.2 boards and 4.6 assists per game. Falling in line with elite rookies like Ben Simmons, Donovan Mitchell, and Jayson Tatum, Barrett holds the potential to taste postseason action right away in his very first year.

“For me, if I could give [Barrett] any advice, it’s just to remain who he is and focus on the important things: that’s playing basketball, that’s getting better every day,” ROY finalist Trae Young said. “And enjoy everything else as far as letting everything else fall behind what you’re here for, which is playing basketball.”

Only if he could resist the temptation of playing hero-ball and find a rhythm within the flow of the offense under Fizdale, the 19-year-old can continue his upward trend of play. With the roster deep, especially at the guard positions, RJ has the stage set like never before to take over amidst the brightest lights at the Madison Square Garden.