Even if the NBA playoffs are still underway, the New York Knicks are already looking ahead to the next season. And it looks like RJ Barrett has put in the work so far in preparation for his sophomore season. The 20-year old shooting guard has already been attending individual workouts with assistant coach Jonnie Bryant, according to Marc Berman of New York Post. 

With new head coach Tom Thibodeau in charge, the Knicks have already begun a mini camp, their first activity since March and first since Thibodeau was named as the team’s coach. However, only individual workouts are allowed so far, with team workouts set to begin today. Barrett, in particular, has looked impressive, and seems to have put on additional muscle after spending most of his time in his home in Orlando, Florida. 

Barrett, the third overall pick in last year’s draft, is coming off a rookie season that saw him average 14.3 points, five rebounds, and 2.6 assists for the Knicks, although he shot just 40.2% from the field and 32% from beyond the arc. 

Meanwhile, one of Barrett’s teammates will not be able to join the team workouts with Thibodeau, as Ian Begley reports that Mitchell Robinson will not be able to join the workouts due to personal reasons. Robinson, however, participated during the individual workouts last week, and does not have COVID-19. In his second season with the Knicks, Robinson averaged 9.7 points and seven rebounds on 74.2% shooting from the field. 

According to NBA rules, the workouts of teams who were not invited to the NBA Bubble in Orlando can run until October 6. The Knicks will use the workouts for Thibodeau and his coaching staff to familiarize themselves with their players ahead of the new season.