Let’s be real: RJ Barrett is the most exciting aspect of this coming Knicks season and his play could be a determining factor in whether or not this team can make things even close to interesting.

If the preseason was any indicator, things aren’t looking too shabby in that regard. Barrett looked every bit the part of the third overall pick, getting to the rim with strength and smarts, cutting and getting himself open, rebounding well, and displaying flashes of playmaking prowess. He does not look like a 19-year-old at all. He has size and strength and the on-court presence of a far more seasoned player. His outside shooting is worrisome but there’s hope that that can develop and in the meantime this kid looks to have many of the tools necessary to contribute to winning at the NBA level. In short: it looks like we may have bagged one.

Barrett projects to be a day one starter and an immediate contributor. He’ll likely have the occasional struggles with inefficiency and general on-court confusion that all rookies must fight through, but that shouldn’t keep him from being one of the most precocious neophytes the Knicks have had in decades. There’s even a path toward Rookie of the Year, particularly when you consider that Zion is already missing time to begin the season. Let us pray.

Oh and don’t forget Iggy Brazdeikis who showed out in the Summer League but will likely have to show out in the G-league in order to see meaningful minutes on this team. The dude looks pretty promising and the front office has shown a knack for late-round miracle work, but there just isn’t enough minutes for the young fella to get his feet wet. So hey, there’s even a reason to tune into the Westchester Knicks this season.

The Point Guard Position