After an abysmal performance from R.J. Barrett during the New York Knicks’ playoff loss against the Miami Heat, Stephen A. Smith made it clear that he doesn’t want to see Barrett in the blue and orange again unless he makes massive strides.
“RJ Barrett, it’s going to be a long offseason,” Smith said after the Knicks’ 96-92 series-ending loss. “You’re absolutely pathetic… You gotta really look yourself in the mirror and work on your game young man.”
Barrett averaged nearly 20 points a game in the regular season but was held to just 11 points against Miami last night. He was just 1 of 10 on field goals and got most of his points from the line.
As a result, the wider basketball world is having a tough time finding fault in anything that Smith said. While some are defending Barrett, most are saying that the former No. 3 overall pick just can’t be a star:
GO OFF SAS https://t.co/krWK0tNTrF
— J (@UDers_1) May 13, 2023
I agree ???????????????????????????????????????? Rj stinks https://t.co/c868P61Sh7
— M$ (@MSzino2) May 13, 2023
Lowkey not even mad at this. He right. https://t.co/GNQXQVAWrK
— ???? (@WallahiTony) May 13, 2023
All facts https://t.co/bXohpCIYv7
— KC (@KwameCanty01) May 13, 2023
In four NBA seasons, R.J. Barrett has steadily improved. But despite being a mainstay in the starting lineup, Barrett hasn’t quite reached the level of stardom that teammates such as Jalen Brunson or even Julius Randle have with the Knicks.
Barrett was a big reason the Knicks got as far in the playoffs as he did. But if he doesn’t continue to improve, the team may find itself treading water in the first two rounds of the playoffs at best.
Is Stephen A. Smith right about R.J. Barrett?
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