Knicks rookie RJ Barrett recently joined Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News for a wide-ranging interview. Amid their discussion, the Toronto native pointed out that he's been doubted throughout his development as a player. He says that's okay, though, because he's out to prove the naysayers wrong.
“Being the Canadian kid, I’ve kind of been doubted my whole life,” Barrett told the Daily News. “So I’m just used to it now.”
The Knicks selected Barrett with the No. 3 overall pick in this year's draft. The 19-year-old played one season of collegiate ball at Duke, alongside No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson and Cam Reddish.
By most accounts, Barrett is going to be a fine NBA player. However, in a recent ESPN projection poll, he received just two votes in the categories of “Rookie of the Year” and “Best Career.” The 19-year-old received zero votes for “Biggest Draft Steal,” “Most Athletic,” “Best Shooter,” “Best Defender” and “Best Playmaker.”
What did Barrett have to say about ESPN's poll? Well, let's just say he'll be out to prove a point with the Knicks in the coming season:
“When it’s all said and done and you see the actual results, nobody is going to remember the survey,” Barrett told the News.
Barrett made 38 appearances with the Blue Devils in his lone season at Duke, racking up averages of 22.6 points on 45.4 percent shooting from the field (30.8 percent from beyond the arc), 7.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists and just under one steal (0.9) in 35.3 minutes per outing. For his outstanding play with the team, he was given First-Team All-ACC honors.
The Knicks finished the 2018-19 regular season campaign with a disappointing 17-65 overall record, which was the worst mark in the Eastern Conference. Hopefully, though, with Barrett aboard and on a mission, New York will find a way back into the postseason hunt.
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