After years of dysfunction, the New York Knicks are finally getting their act together.
With a new system, revamped culture, and talented roster, the franchise is heading in a positive direction for the first time in years.
In the middle of it all has been young stud RJ Barrett, who could determine just how good this team becomes.
This season, he’s seeing career-high marks across the board as his team hovers near the top of the East standings.
Still, he knows he’s capable of much more.
“I think that’s just what I was born to be. There’s something inside me that I know that I’m destined for greatness, I know that I’m destined for more. I think the work ethic that my family has instilled in me, it’s always gonna give me a chance to get better, it’s always gonna give me a chance to prove and show who I am. I’m very competitive, so I think all those things together, somehow, some way I just know that I’m gonna make it.”
Barrett, 21, was picked 3rd overall in the 2019 Draft and has been juggling big expectations ever since.
So far, he has yet to emerge as an All-Star player, but the steady growth he has shown since his rookie campaign proves he’s capable of getting there.
“RJ’s going to be a really good player,” said Julius Randle. “What is he, 21? I don’t know how old he is. He’s young as hell (laughs). He’s a really good player, and I can relate as far as what he’s done, and what I’ve seen from him so far in this offseason is he just keeps improving. That’s really what it’s about.”
Through 9 games so far, Barrett is averaging 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game on 47% shooting.
The Knickerbockers are tied for fourth in the East with a 6-3 record.
