According to sources, the Knicks coaching staff has a new vision for Barrett, turning him more into a small forward than shooting guard so as to give him less early-possession ballhandling responsibilities. Former coach David Fizdale, stunningly, gave Barrett the opening-night start at point guard last season and it backfired. – via Marc Berman @ New York Post
New guards coach Johnnie Bryant, who turned Donovan Mitchell into a superstar, has made an impact on Barrett, according to people with knowledge of the situation. “I just thought his rim reads were terrific,’’ Thibodeau said. “His all-round play. His ball pressure [on defense] got a lot better as time went on. Offensively he scored a number of different ways — transition, cutting without the ball, off the dribble, catch and shoot.’’ – via Marc Berman @ New York Post
Marc J. Spears: The Knicks have exercised its third-year contract option on guard/forward RJ Barrett. – via Twitter MarcJSpears
