3rd pick: R.J. Barrett
The Duke star had to deal with an unspoken-but-understood fear before he even played a professional game: Being a New York Knick. Barrett has struggled shooting this year, including from the free-throw line, but saw a decent improvement against the Bulls this past week. He certainly has the build and talent to be the next “Guy”—not to mention, he’s in the most extensive media market in the U.S., with a fan base dying for a hero. Worrying that he might get accustomed to losing is valid. But if Barrett can improve the team, even marginally, a la Shaq’s rookie season, then it would be a major step forward.
Early Grade: B
Sekou Doumbouya :: Romeo Langford :: Tyler Herro :: P.J. Washington :: Cam Johnson :: Cam Reddish :: Rui Hachimura :: Jaxson Hayes :: Coby White :: Jarrett Culver :: Darius Garland :: De’Andre Hunter :: R.J. Barrett :: Ja Morant :: Zion Williamson