The Knicks added some needed shooting with the signing of Donte DiVincenzo, but New York still needs more, as was made clear in their series loss to the Heat in the conference semifinals.
Jerry said that shooting can come from within, and if it does, specifically from RJ Barrett, the Knicks will have the star they have been looking for.
“If he develops a consistent 3-point shot - we know what he can do as a driver and a slasher - if he can develop that this offseason, then I think he has a chance to be a superstar,” Jerry said.
“Wouldn’t that be a lesson in patience? All the people that wanted to run him out of town and trade him last year…wouldn’t that be something if he does turn out to be a superstar player, and the Knicks got that right with patience and development?”
Barrett showed his star potential with a very strong postseason showing, but for the bulk of his career, his shooting has been erratic. The 23-year-old shot a below-average 31 percent from downtown last season, the worst mark of his career. But Jerry believes Barrett can find a consistent stroke, and if he does, he and the Knicks will make a major leap.
“From everyone I know around that team, his work ethic is second-to-none,” Jerry said. “This kid works, he’s in the gym, and he knows he has to get better shooting the three. That, to me, is the next step for him. He has the potential to be a star…when he is shooting the three well, he is unstoppable.”
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