Would RJ Barrett Come Off New York Knicks' Bench?
It's not often you'll hear RJ Barrett's name in the same sentence as that of Mariano Rivera's. But the New York Knicks' touted, homegrown project could soon follow in the footsteps of the legendary pinstriped closer.
The Knicks have high hopes for Barrett as he enters his fifth professional season, even with a crowded backcourt picture that also features Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes, newcomer Donte DiVincenzo, and more. This year is also the first he'll play on a four-year, $120 million ($107 guaranteed) contract extension bestowed last summer when he was kept out of the Donovan Mitchell proceedings.
RJ Barret (9) has been a staple of the Knicks starting five since arriving as 2019's third overall pick.
Seth Wenig, USA TODAY SPORTS
While Barrett has been a staple in the Knicks' starting five (appearing during pregame intros in all but 32 of the past four years' 302 regular season games), he was asked about the idea of coming off the bench before the team embarked upon its training camp slate at The Citadel in South Carolina. Barrett appeared to be a bit perplexed by such a theory but vowed to at least entertain the idea if it helped the Knicks press forward.
"If that were to be the case, (I'm) comfortable, very comfortable in that role, so is Josh," Barrett said in video from SNY. "I think whatever we kind of need to do to win is what we'll do, whatever the game tells us to do. if that's what I have to do, then I'll do it, very willingly and gladly."
For the time being, Barrett appears to be penciled in as the Knicks' primary small forward. Some, however, feel that his 6-6 frame could help the Knicks' relative black hole beihnd Julius Randle.
The two-time All-Star Randle is the Knicks assured starting power forward but the team didn't do much to work on the depth behind him. Trading Obi Toppin might've been necessary to end the drama surrounding his playing time but the top name to fill the spot may well be Isaiah Roby, who is still shaking off a tough injury from last season. Despite being relatively light (clocking in at 214 lbs.), Barrett has held his own in the paint, averaging at least five rebounds in each of his first four seasons.
Barrett will likely be in the starting lineup when the Knicks open the preseason on Monday night against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG).
