The New York Knicks are not short on athleticism, especially after adding 3rd overall pick RJ Barrett in the 2019 NBA draft. The rookie is prepared to leave his mark on the 2019-20 season, but when he was asked who he’d like to dunk on, his answer was a bit surprising.
Former Knick and currently enemy to the state, Kristaps Porzingis, was his player of choice.
RJ Barrett was asked in Bleacher Report AMA which player he’d most like to dunk on.
His answer: Kristaps Porzingis.
— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) September 16, 2019
Knicks fans should be excited and fired up about his response, as watching Barrett go over-top of Porzingis in live-action would be spectacular, or at the very least, a big win for New York.
Porzingis was traded to the Dallas Mavericks last season after demanding his release. The Knicks received point guard Dennis Smith Jr. in the deal, a young player with a plate-full of potential he’s working towards unleashing.
The Knicks are still an incredibly young team fighting for their respect in the NBA. Barrett, Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson, Allonzo Trier and more make up the youth foundation for one of the youngest teams in basketball.
Barrett recently said it “felt right” to be drafted by the Knicks, considering his mother grew up in Brooklyn. The Knicks are gaining one of the college basketball’s top players — he would’ve been the No. 1 overall pick given Zion Williamson didn’t take over college’s basketball stage by storm.
RJ averaged a healthy 22.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while shooting 45.4 percent from the field. He also shot 30.8 percent from three-point land and 66.5 percent from the free-throw line. He’s refined in attacking the rim and utilizing his length to get past defenders in the paints, but he’s a lackluster shooter that will look to develop his jump shot this season.
Expecting him to be a productive scorer right off the bat might be too optimistic, but he’s certainly capable of getting to the rim and effecting games positively. His progression will take some time, but limit your expectation throughout his rookie campaign.