Who is RJ Barrett?
RJ Barrett is a Canadian professional basketball player who currently plays for the New York Knicks in the NBA. He was born on June 14, 2000, in Toronto, Canada, and is the son of former basketball player Rowan Barrett. RJ played college basketball at Duke University for one year before being drafted third overall by the Knicks in the 2019 NBA draft.
Early Life and Career
RJ Barrett grew up in Canada and began playing basketball at a young age. He attended St. Marcellinus Secondary School in Mississauga, where he played high school basketball and became one of the top prospects in the country. In 2017, he led the Canadian U19 team to a gold medal at the FIBA World Cup.
After high school, RJ committed to playing college basketball at Duke University. In his freshman year, he averaged 22.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, earning him numerous accolades, including ACC Player of the Year and consensus first-team All-American honors.
Professional Career
RJ Barrett was selected third overall by the New York Knicks in the 2019 NBA draft. In his rookie season, he started in 55 out of 56 games and averaged 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. He also set a Knicks rookie record for most 20-point games in a season.
Despite the Knicks’ struggles as a team, RJ Barrett’s individual performance was impressive, and he showed glimpses of his potential as a future NBA superstar.
Playing Style
RJ Barrett is a versatile player who can play multiple positions on the court. He is known for his scoring ability, with a knack for getting to the basket and finishing with authority. He is also a strong rebounder and has shown the ability to facilitate the offense as a passer.
Defensively, RJ has the size and athleticism to guard multiple positions and has shown flashes of being a lockdown defender. He is a hard worker and has a great work ethic, which bodes well for his future development as a player.
The Future of RJ Barrett
At just 21 years old, RJ Barrett has already established himself as one of the most promising young talents in the NBA. He has the potential to be a franchise player for the Knicks and lead them back to relevance in the league.
With his combination of size, athleticism, and skill, RJ Barrett has all the tools to become a superstar in the NBA. If he continues to work hard and develop his game, there’s no telling how far he can go.
Conclusion
RJ Barrett is a young and talented basketball player who has a bright future ahead of him. He has already shown that he can compete at the highest level and is poised to become one of the top players in the NBA. Knicks fans and basketball fans alike should keep an eye on this rising star.
