JANUARY 17: X-rays were negative on Barrett’s sprained right ankle, according to the Knicks, who announced today that the rookie will be re-evaluated in a week (Twitter link).
JANUARY 16: The Knicks’ season continues to go downhill. No. 3 overall pick RJ Barrett left tonight’s contest against the Suns with a right ankle injury and did not return.
After the contest, coach Mike Miller said he didn’t know the severity of the injury, which was initially diagnosed as a sprain, as Ian Begley of SNY.tv tweets. Begley adds that the rookie had crutches in his locker.
Barrett’s development has been a bright spot for the 11-31 Knicks. The rookie was averaging 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per contest entering tonight’s tilt with the Suns. He has struggled with his efficiency, though over his prior six contests, he made 46.3% of his looks.
“A bright spot”? Let’s not get carried away. By any metric he is in the bottom quartile of players in the league. His skillset looks like it could develop into a league average player. That would be great for a team without such players.
I don’t think Barrett could be called a skillset guy, so this shortage is not crucial. He probably should not be jammed in at PG where it matters more.
Barrett’s wheelhouse is overwhelming an opponent.