While RJ Barrett struggled in his Summer League debut for the New York Knicks, Pelicans top pick Zion Williamson barely played in the competition at all. An injury forced the No. 1 overall pick out, while Barrett played through and undoubtedly saw his fair share of struggles.
However, both former Duke stars are capable of greatness, and Zion was the first to come to the aid of Barrett after his horrendous start.
“(Knicks fans) can expect that they’re getting a killer,†Williamson told SNY.
“For the people that are trying to look down on him, RJ’s been through worse. He knows how to battle through it and he’s going to bring the city everything he’s got.â€
New York Knicks fans are ruthless:
New York is the last place any player wants to be if they’re afraid of confrontation and fan feedback. It seems as if Barrett is handling it all in stride, though, given the youth of his career and the massive potential he possesses.
After years of irrelevancy and missing the playoffs, Barrett represents the future and what the team can become. A roster full of talented youth and veteran signings offers a beacon of hope. The signings of Marcus Morris and Julius Randle will be extremely beneficial for the younger players.
Options like Kevin Knox, Mitchell Robinson, and Barrett will all benefit from the quality and leadership of the veterans. They will still face hurdles so early in their career, just as Zion Williamson will, but having teachers and mentors is a significant part of the process.
There’s light on the horizon, Knicks fans.