FUTURE IS NOW
Knicks rookie Barrett and former Duke teammate Williamson highlight Futures Game
CHICAGO — Friends and former Duke teammates traded some light trash talk ahead of their matchup at the Rising Stars Challenge but RJ Barrett ultimately conceded that Zion Williamson is unstoppable.
“I'll give you a secret,” Barrett said. “He's going to do what he's going to do and you can't stop it.”
Friday night's game, formatted as top American rookies and sophomores against their international counterparts, represents the second time Williamson and Barrett faced off. Their first matchup was a Summer League game in July that was cut short after an earthquake and Williamson suffered a knee injury.
Barrett wanted to check the high-flying sensation.
“Hell yeah,” Barrett, who is Canadian, said. “I feel like I know better than anybody how to guard him.”
Williamson responded,
“I'm going to take RJ straight to the post.”
Barrett led the game in scoring with 27 points, but Williamson stole the show, and his USA team blew out Barrett's world squad, 151-131.
Williamson dunked so hard that he bent the rim, and arena employees had to readjust it at halftime.Williamson scored 14 points in 20 minutes. The Americans trailed by 10 at halftime but ran away in the second half. Second-year Hornets forward Miles Bridges was named MVP for his 20 points in 20 minutes.
Although Barrett was drafted third overall and plays in the league's top market, his starpower is dim compared to
Williamson's. That was evident in the media crowds surrounding the respective players Friday morning. Williamson — as well as Luka Doncic, Trae Young and Ja Morant — attracted hordes several layers deep.
Barrett's media crowd was thin and the questions stopped after about 10 minutes, allowing the 19-year-old to leave the session early. The lack of hype is at least partially related to Barrett's uneven play and the Knicks' struggles. His averages are solid — 13.6 points per game and 5.1 rebounds – but the efficiency is lacking, the jumper remains spotty and his game isn't nearly as flashy like Williamson's or Morant's. Barrett is shooting just 39 percent from the floor while averaging one 3-pointer made per game.
Still, Barrett believes he should be considered for Rookie of the Year.
“A lot of people deserve it,” he said, “but it's kind of hard not to vote for myself.”
So does he feel underappreciated considering nobody is mentioning him for the award?
“There’s a lot of good rookies out there,” he said. “Ja has been his thing all year. Kendrick Nunn (from Miami). Zion’s back now. Guys are playing really well but I’m never going to stop believing in myself.”
As Kristaps Porzingis experienced, the Knicks don’t always foster development. In Barrett’s short time, he’s experienced a coaching change, a front-office reshuffle (that isn’t completed yet), and the trading of locker room’s veteran leader (Marcus Morris). By next season, Barrett probably will be on his third head coach.
This All-Star break then offers a needed respite. He’s headed to Florida after the Rising Stars Challenge and soaking up the sun before the Knicks play again Feb. 22.
“Everybody, in any job, needs a break sometimes,” he said.