RJ Barrett’s rookie season with the Knicks ended earlier than expected, but the former third place overall took time to celebrate a year since it was drafted.
“Wow, I was drafted a year ago !! This year was by far the most interesting year of my life and I really grew up on and off the pitch,” Barrett said in an Instagram post. “New York, I want to thank you all for embracing the coming young tower, supporting me and making me feel at home! I’m really excited to see what the future holds”
The 2019-20 season was another disappointing campaign for the Knicks, who went 21-45 in their shortened season due to the coronavirus pandemic, finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference.
But despite all the downsides, Barrett managed to be one of the team’s highlights when the rookie started 55 of the 56 games he played in, averaging 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists. He had some inconsistencies with his shot, but showed his playing prowess and all-round play, finishing third on the team with the score.
Former Duke produced his best game of the season in a 23-point win over Atlanta in December, hitting 27 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist for a +13.
There is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Knicks as a franchise (with their next manager still unknown at this point), but Barrett seems to be a very strong piece for the foundation of the advancing roster.