NBA: 30 reasons to be excited for 2019-20 season

27. RJ Barrett on Broadway

RJ Barrett isn’t the prospect New York Knick fans were hoping to draft last June, but calling him a consolation prize does a disservice to the former All-ACC selection’s talents. In just one season at Duke, he averaged 22.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game, the only freshman ever to produce such numbers.

Despite being on Planet Earth less than two decades, Barrett is uniquely qualified to handle the rigors of playing in the media capital of the world. Aside from his success at one of the most recognizable colleges, the Canadian has put in plenty of time with the national team, even taking home the MVP trophy for the under-19 FIBA World Cup in 2017.

Many youngsters before Barrett have shriveled under the pressure-cooking lights of Madison Square Garden, but the historic arena won’t be his first time in the spotlight. Barrett’s confidence acquired from years of similar circumstances should shorten his NBA learning curve and ooze onto the MSG hardwood in ways that make him a fan favorite.

Before Zion Williamson, Barrett was the projected No. 1 pick heading into his collegiate career, and that wasn’t by accident. New York needs a savior and as the highest draft pick in over 30 years, RJ will get his initial shot at reviving one of the NBA’s premier franchises.