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Utah Jazz: Most intriguing individual matchups series – Atlantic Division

By Jared Woodcox

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 16: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz at the Wells Fargo Center on November 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 16: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz at the Wells Fargo Center on November 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC –  OCTOBER 7: RJ Barrett #9 of New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Washington Wizards during pre-season on October 7, 2019 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC –  OCTOBER 7: RJ Barrett #9 of New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Washington Wizards during pre-season on October 7, 2019 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

New York Knicks: RJ Barrett vs. Donovan Mitchell

The New York Knicks whiffed big time in this summer’s free agency and, while they were able to add a plethora of power forwards, really didn’t strike it rich in any area they had hoped to. Sure, they’ll have a few more veterans than last year and have to hope that will make them more mentally and fundamentally sound, but don’t expect them to be much to write home about in 2019-20.

Perhaps the most anticipated aspect of their upcoming season will be to see just how well RJ Barrett, the third overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, begins to develop. He was a highly touted draft prospect with a sky-high potential, but unfortunately the Knicks don’t exactly have a glowing reputation for developing players.

Nevertheless, Barrett may very well be talented enough to remain a force even as a rookie as he’ll almost instantly have the keys to the Knicks’ franchise.

With that being the case, though their matchups against Utah won’t be anywhere near the most highly anticipated for Jazz fans, seeing the young and promising Barrett go up against the once raw and intriguing young-prospect-turned-star Donovan Mitchell will likely be the most exhilarating battle.

Donovan will almost certainly have a significant edge, but if Barrett can live up to expectations, he’ll likely use Mitchell’s rise as a model to follow. Few are the players that are able to take a quick and meteoric rise as Spida has, so as Barrett looks to pave his own path, Donovan’s example may very well be one he looks to carefully.

There won’t be much else intriguing to behold when the Knicks hit the floor against the Jazz but watching Barrett and Mitchell in action will be a fun preview of what could be two future stars that will shred up the league for years to come.

Scheduled Contests:

  • 1/8 New York at Utah
  • 3/4 Utah at New York
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