New York Knicks rookie RJ Barrett says it's “funny” his first game as a Knick will be against his close friend, New Orleans Pelicans high-flyer Zion Williamson.

The Knicks and Pelicans face off in the first game of the Summer League for each team. Barrett is excited to go against his former Duke teammate.

Via Ian Bagley of SNY:

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The group will play its first summer league game on Friday against Pelicans rookie and No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson. Barrett said he laughed when he found out his first game would be against his former Duke teammate.

“It's funny that my first game ever in a uniform is against my guy so, just really excited to play,” he said.

The Knicks selected Barrett with the third overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. After missing out on Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant in free agency, New York will be building its club around Barrett, Dennis Smith Jr., Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson and Alonzo Trier. The Knicks have reportedly agreed to free agent deals with veterans Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, Taj Gibson, Elfrid Payton, Wayne Ellington and Reggie Bullock.

At Duke Barrett was a scoring machine. The lefty averaged 22.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting 45.4 percent from the field, 30.8 percent from beyond the arc and 66.5 percent from the free-throw line. The Knicks can't wait to see RJ play at MSG and put on a show.