New York Knicks: 3 reasons R.J. Barrett was a good pick

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 20: RJ Barrett is interviewed after being drafted by the New York Knicks during the 2019 NBA Draft on June 20, 2019 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ryan McGilloway/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 20: RJ Barrett is interviewed after being drafted by the New York Knicks during the 2019 NBA Draft on June 20, 2019 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ryan McGilloway/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images) /

3. New York kinda guy

Before we dive into the incredible numbers, let’s set something straight: R.J. Barrett was born to play in New York.

That’s not something you can say about many athletes. Famously, Derek Jeter was known to be a “New York” guy. There was something about his swagger and his charm that just fit the city. It helped him survive almost two decades in the Big Apple, even with sometimes not elite production.

Others just couldn’t stomach the pressure. Stephon Marbury famously faltered under the city’s bright lights. Even though he was hampered by injuries, Amar’e Stoudemire never fit. You could argue Carmelo Anthony maybe didn’t have the personality for New York.

Barrett is different. For starters, his extended family lives in New York. His father hooped at St. John’s University before becoming a basketball pioneer in Canada. His mother ran track at the Queens school.

Barrett has repeatedly expressed his desire to return to his roots. He refused to work out with Memphis and said he wanted to play for the Knicks because his late grandfather was a big fan. In his visit to New York, Knicks general manager Scott Perry said he “won the building over” while speaking on MSG Networks.

Finally, Barrett  plays with a gritty, competitive fire, self-compared to that of Kobe Bryant. Truly, there is no better personality to be at the center of Knicks land. And he backs it all up with his big game.