RJ, Knicks snubbed by GMs

The Knicks selecting Duke’s RJ Barrett at No. 3 may not be the nobrainer everyone thought, according to NBA general managers.

The annual GM Survey is out, and Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland, who was taken fifth, beat out Barrett for third place in the projected Rookie of the Year vote. Barrett, who has struggled with his outside shot but overall has played well during the preseason, didn’t receive a vote.

No. 1 pick Zion Williamson, who has been scratched from his Garden visit Friday with a sore knee, was first with 68 percent, followed by No. 2 pick Ja Morant of the Grizzlies with 29 percent. Garland was at 4 percent, and no other rookie received a vote.

Barrett, averaging 14.7 points on 38 percent shooting during the preseason, also didn’t receive a vote in response to the question, “Which rookiei will be the best player in five yyears?” Five others did: Williamson, Morant and the Hawks’ Cam Reddish comprised the top three. TThe Timberwolves’ Jarrett Culverr and Garland also received votes..

The Knickss were intrigued enough by Garland, the former Vanderbilt point guard, to invite him for a workout the day before the draft. Accordingo to a source, some memberse of the Knicks organization tthought it best to trade down forr Garland, who was picked fifth by Cleveland. Garland was injured forr most of his freshman year.

Marcus Morris’r decision to walk away from a verbalr agreement with the Spurs to signi with the Knicks wound up in the “also receiving votes” category for “Most surprising move of thee offseason.”

The Knicks were largely ignored in other categories. They f inished eighth in “most improved team,” gaining 4 percent of the vote. Julius Randle received votes for “player is most likely to have a breakout season.” David Fizdale didn’t receive any votes in the various coaching categories. But assistant Keith Smart received votes for best assistant.