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LAS VEGAS – RJ Barrett showed a new ride in his repertoire on Wednesday and may be a way for the Knicks to use the 6-foot-7 swingman in his freshman year.
While his peripheral shot was still fragile, Duke's 19-year-old lottery player excelled when he had the opportunity to participate in his fourth game of the summer league, taking advantage of his size and his strength.
Barrett, in his second consecutive consecutive run, scored 21 points. He shot only 6 of 17 – 2-in-8 from the 3-point line. He also had 10 rebounds and three assists in 29 minutes as the Knicks scored their first win, eliminating the 117-96 Lakers.
"I have prepared a game to put it in the surface – it is very physical, tall and long," said Jud Buechler, the coach of the Knicks' Summer League. "He will have a big advantage over the guys who are watching him. We did it once and he scored. And if you do not stop it, I'll come back to it. & # 39; & # 39;
The growth of choice # 3 is a huge key if the Knicks are to recover after six years of misery. Barrett's 3-point shot still looks broken – he's a horrible 5-25 in four games.
The summer schedule for the Knicks is over and they will end with a consolation game on Friday or Saturday. Barrett said the management will decide whether he plays or not.
"Today's match is what it was," Barrett said of his chances of a low block. "I had a bad match there. If I have an offset, I can really play a little lower there. "
Barrett, who bounced well throughout the tournament, started from 0-4 before making any noise. His first basket came when he pivoted his defender for an easy dunk.
The former Duke swingman scored on three low shots for the Knicks to find a way to make him leave without relying strictly on his training or 3-point shot.
"He plays better every game," Buechler said. "He had a good game in the last game, was solid again tonight. He is 19 years old and they have a lot to work on. He must work on his finishes. He has a beautiful right hand, but he seems to bring it back to his left hand in the traffic. But we will clean all that. "
Barrett and the choice of the second round Ignas Brazdeikis (16 points, four rebounds, three assists) have a lot to think after the summer league.
Do they represent their countries at the World Cup in August? Or do they choose to rest, relax and train with Knicks coaches?
In the case of Brazdeikis, Michigan's second-round pick was planning to run for his native Lithuania, according to a sector source. Like Barrett, Brazdeikis grew up in Canada.
Barrett was asked where he played for his country. Although he has the blood of New York, he is a Canadian first and was part of the national teams of the country of 18 and 17 years.
"I have not thought much about it," said Barrett. "I'm trying to cross the summer league first [before making a decision]. ''
Team Canada, according to the source, hopes that it plays. That Rowan Barrett, RJ's father, has played a key role in Team Canada in recent years could play for his participation in the event that will take place in China from the end of August. Rowan Barrett was teammate with Steve Nash on Team Canada.
Cory Joseph, Jamal Murray, Tristan Thompson, Dwight Powell, Dillon Brooks, Nik Stauskas Kelly Olynyk, Shae Gilgous-Alexander and Andrew Wiggins are among the NBA players likely to compete for the Canadian team.
Team Canada's training camp begins August 3 with an exhibition game against Nigeria on August 7 in Toronto.
"In the past, first-year players in the NBA were rarely able to participate," said the sector's source. "I'm hoping that with Rowan being responsible this summer, the trend will come to an end." The two guys [Barrett, Brazdeikis] would be accepted by veterinarians. "
Barrett had mixed results in the summer league, but strengthened after two atrocious first games.
At least he showed more endurance than his buddy Duke Zion Williamson, the number 1 choice of pelicans. He lasted nine minutes in his only appearance in the summer league, then was stopped with knee / back pain after appearing deformed.
"He needs to take care of himself," said Barrett. "I hate to see him unable to play. I hope that he will recover quickly. "
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