RJ Barret is ready to be a lockdown defender, and he proved it in the New York Knicks victory over the Boston Celtics.
Before the New York Knicks opening night of the 2021-22 season, Head Coach Tom Thibodeau expressed his belief in RJ Barrett as the team’s new primary perimeter defender. Barrett lived up to the expectation in the season opener as New York defeated the Boston Celtics 138-134 in double overtime at Madison Square Garden.
In the first half, Barrett struggled offensively. But he made his presence felt on the defensive end all night.
Throughout the game, Barrett split time guarding the Celtics all-star duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. But it was Tatum who was Barrett’s primary defensive matchup.
RJ clearly made his presence felt because Tatum finished the night with 20 points and was 7-30 from the field — this includes forcing Tatum to airball and extend the game to double overtime. Overall, opponents collectively shot 5-27 when guarded by Barrett.
While some did not expect Barrett to take the next step defensively this season, Thibodeau clearly did. According to the Knicks head coach on RJ, “he’s gotten a lot better. I think he also has experience on his side now. Obviously, the first few times you play against someone, you don’t know them as well as maybe the 40th or 50th time you play against someone.”
Regarding his preparation for the season, Thibodeau stated, “RJ has been terrific with the extra work that he has put in.” He also referenced Barrett’s ability to anticipate the tendencies of opposing players and his physical strength as evidence of his preparedness for his new role. “His defense is a lot better than it was a year ago, I can tell you that,” said Thibodeau. “He can guard multiple positions. He can guard 2, 3, and 4, he can guard some point guards. He’s shown a lot.”
Though Barrett was never touted for his defense entering the 2019 NBA Draft, he has worked hard to make it one of his strengths. Last season, according to NBA Advanced Stats, opposing players shot 2% below the league average when guarded by Barrett. While this statistic highlights a clear positive in his defensive trajectory, Barrett will no longer be guarding the opposing team’s second-best scorer.
Last year, Reggie Bullock was tasked by Thibodeau to guard the best wing scorers on a nightly basis. Yet, with Bullock’s departure during free agency, this responsibility falls on Barrett’s shoulders. And RJ is very much aware of the task at hand, which is why he added muscle for his new challenge in his third year.
While Barrett acknowledged the importance and necessity of strong team defense, he made it clear to reporters that he understood the responsibility of his role and prepared accordingly. “I put on a couple pounds, trying to be a little heavier, especially since I will be guarding a key guy almost every night.”
Last season, the Knicks were led by their defense as they finished with the third-best defensive rating in the NBA. In order to replicate and improve on their successes, a strong defense will likely need to be the catalyst once again. This begins with Barrett.
Though the Knicks’ overall defense did not meet its usual standards Wednesday night, Barrett’s defense lived up to the belief of his head coach. “I have been preparing myself all summer,” Barrett said. “I’m ready for it. I’m definitely ready for it.”
Stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news, rumors, and recaps throughout the 2021-22 season! In case you missed it, catch CP and Jake Brown’s interview with John Starks!
