He looked good end of last year. He did.
But the free pass has got to end. Year four. Time to understand success may be D up, go 4-10, get to the line some, grab boards, open up shots for Cam or Julius or Obi or Fournier or whoever. STOP F'ING SHOOTING OVER AND OVER. YOU AIN'T AND WILL NEVER BE THAT GUY WHO SHOULD BE DOING THAT. YOUR TOUCH IS NOT THAT GOOD. YOUR FINISH IS NOT THAT GOOD. IT WILL NEVER BE THAT GOOD.
But that doesn't mean you can't be a fine all around basketball player.
People hope he'll be a Butler. Butler is the happiest guy in the world to NOT shoot the ball all game and win.
I won't prattle on. Last night brought a good vibe. Looking forward to GS.
Don't agree he is not a good finisher.
Nor that RJ is getting a free pass. He's a competitor.
Jimmy Butler does indeed beckon.
Everything else seems reasonable.
I do not believe he feels as though he has to justify his contract. Rather, he wants to shoulder his share of the load.
Oddly, I would consul RJ to observe the evolution of his DUKIE, Cam Reddish, who went from trade bait afterthought, hack on the back of the pine, to trusted Thibian.
Play Defense, facilitate the offense with movement and passes, don't force the issue, go to the rack.
End of last season, RJ was hitting his threes. Don't feel as though he should be tasked with that.
Look at how Jalen scores, RJ. Old school. Don't force jumpers but get into someone's grill, and create space for easy shots in the near field. You are good at creating contact. Milk that.
FUCKING THREES.
Julius is hitting like 33%. The threat keeps defenses honest, for sure.
STILL.
Julius was 3-10 from trey last night.
Julius was 8-11 from the near field and the rack.
We as a team are not great three point shooters.
Our best so far are Obi and Rose.
Live and learn, Knicks.
Don't force the issue, RJ.