RJ’s looking to jump start his shot after COVID

MINNEAPOLIS — First there was the stomach bug that had RJ Barrett vomiting during a game at Barclays Center. Those trips to the locker room weren’t pleasant.

Then there was the COVID-19 infection that wasn’t as bothersome physically to Barrett, but still kept him out of the gym for 10 days. The symptoms were mild.

“I was mostly OK. I was just really tired for a couple of days, just laying down,” said Barrett, who was vaccinated before the season. “Other than that, felt a little weird, but it wasn’t anything too crazy.”

After his two illnesses subsided, Barrett had missed seven games and several practice hours. His jumper fell off a cliff, as reinforced Tuesday in Minnesota, where the third-year wing was scoreless until midway through the fourth quarter and shot 3-for-10.

Similar to his running mate, Julius Randle, it’s been a regressive campaign for Barrett after last season’s breakthrough. Heading into Wednesday’s contest in Detroit, the shooting percentages (39% overall, 34% on 3s) were closer to his disappointing rookie numbers.

Not coincidentally, Barrett played every game last season and ranked second in the NBA in minutes. His jumper and immune system benefitted from the bubble-like atmosphere.

“I need repetition, consistency,” Barrett said. “Consistency getting in the gym. This season has been a little tough. …Last season I was good. I was there every night.”

This is all highly significant to the Knicks because Barrett’s ceiling is as high as his jumpshot. He’s a strong defender and adept at utilizing strength to get to the rim, attributes that won’t change much so long as Barrett maintains conditioning.

His shot, however, is erratic. And it’s been off for the better part of two months. For Tuesday’s victory over the Timberwolves — when Barrett was more plodding than explosive — the 21-year-old acknowledged conditioning was an issue.

It was his second game back after his COVID-19 positive test.

“I think any time you’re out for 10 days it’s going to affect you, whether you have COVID or not,” said Barrett, who was confined to his home and was limited in exercise to stationary bike rides, push-ups, sit-ups and “whatever I could do.”

“So just trying to get back into shape, back into game shape. Only way you can do that is by playing, so just trying to figure it out as soon as possible.”

In the short term, the Knicks need Barrett to rediscover his form to reach the heights of last season. Before Wednesday, the team was 6-1 in games where Barrett both shot over 45% and played over 10 minutes. It is 2-5 when he doesn’t play.

For the bigger picture, Barrett represents the franchise’s highest draft pick since Patrick Ewing and is eligible for an extension after the season. It’ll be a large payoff, but anything close to a max deal is difficult to justify with this version of Barrett.

Team president Leon Rose could also pass on an extension and let Barrett hit restricted free agency in 2023.

The Knicks haven’t re-signed a draft pick off his first deal since Charlie Ward.

For now, Barrett is hoping health and practice time translates to shooting success. He had a strong fourth quarter in Minnesota, picking up the slack for the struggling Randle.

But carrying anything positive over had been difficult this season.

“I hope now I’m going to be consistently in the gym and I’m good for the rest of the season,” he said.