New York Knicks: RJ Barrett is a must draft, Coach K reaffirms talents

The New York Knicks hold the 3rd overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft which will commence on Thursday, and after fending off the Atlanta Hawks, they’re in a position to select a true building block.

Duke star RJ Barrett was the consensus No. 1 pick before Zion Williamson took college basketball by storm, but his talents shouldn’t be overlooked.

The almighty “Coach K” has advocated for the star player, stating:

“RJ will flourish here in New York,’’ Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said on his SiriusXM on Tuesday. “He wants to be here. He is so mature. He just turned 19 last Friday, but he’s been a part of the Canadian basketball program since [he was] a little guy, always played up.”

At just 19 years-old, Barrett is in a great position to develop his abilities and mature in a city that doesn’t sleep on tearing players apart in the media. He has the intangibles traits to brush off the criticism and begin convincing New York he can be the star they need for the next decade.

The 6-foot-7 swingman will be an elite presence on the court alongside Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson, and hopefully a max-contract player or two. He’s a part of the future for the Knicks or at least should be, considering his capabilities and potential at the professional level.

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Coach K further said in regards to the Duke product:

“This kid is a multi-dimensional player,’’ Krzyzewski said. “He would start right away. He has the potential to be a double-double guy. He’s a great defensive rebounder, and if he gets the defensive rebound he can push, and he can play one through four. Because he can pass, too. As he grows, there’ll be times in this kid’s career where the triple-double will happen more than once. He’s a star. There’s no question. Beautiful, beautiful kid.”

Coming from one of the best coaches in the history of college basketball, it’s fair to say his opinion is held in great regard. There’s little doubt the Knicks will take Barrett with their first-round selection because if they don’t, the fan-base might riot Steve Mills and Scott Perry out of the front office.