Headband R.J. Barrett could be here to stay.
The third overall pick played his first game in the NBA with a new look on Sunday as he helped lead the New York Knicks to a 124-121 win over the Miami Heat.
Barrett recorded 23 points in the victory while he finished by shooting 7-of-10 from the field. Perhaps most impressive, Barrett went 8-of-10 from the free-throw line after struggling for much of the season.
Based on his performance, Barrett said afterward that he may have to keep the headband around. Barrett went with the new look on Sunday because he didn’t get a haircut prior to the matchup.
Barrett: I didn’t got a haircut so I decided to wear it.
Question: As well as you played, are you going to bring it back?
Barrett: I’ll bring it back. I’ll bring it back for sure.
After an inconsistent display in December, Barrett appears to be turning things around. The former Duke star looks to be finding his footing on offense so far during the month of January.
| Games | Points | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | |
| December | 14 | 11.7 | 35.1 | 30.2 | 63.6 |
| January | 7 | 15.6 | 42.5 | 22.7 | 75 |
Barrett started off his rookie campaign on fire but settled down for the most part after that. With the Knicks adjusting to a new head coach, the change could be helping the rookie as he has now scored at least 10 points in six straight games for the first time this season.
Barrett is averaging 14.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals in 39 games played with the Knicks. Barrett is third in scoring, fifth in rebounds and third in steals among all rookies.
The Knicks play next on Tuesday against the Milwaukee Bucks