Zion Williamson was the top prize in the 2019 draft, but the Knicks should be grateful they wound up with RJ Barrett instead, writes Adam Zagoria of Forbes. Williamson, who is recovering from offseason foot surgery, watched Saturday night as his former college teammate scored a career-high 35 points in New York’s victory over the Pelicans. Forbes notes that in their two-plus seasons in the NBA, Barrett has played in 134 games compared to Williamson’s 85.
“I saw him after the game,’’ Barrett said, per Marc Berman of The New York Post. “He just said he was happy for me, stuff like that. But it’s cool. I can’t wait till he gets back out there on the court. It’s cool to just see him there, we don’t see each other often anymore because of the schedules.’’
There’s more from New York:
- Kemba Walker is playing without the knee pain that limited him to 43 games last season, Berman details in a separate story. While Walker can’t beat defenders to the rim like he used to, he seems to have regained his shooting touch, connecting on 50% of his attempts from the field through six games after hitting just 42% a year ago. “This is the best I’ve felt in a very long time,’’ he said. “My days consist of me taking care of myself. I don’t mean that when I’m in the facility with the trainers. I mean that when I’m home. When I’m in my room, I’m taking care of my knee. That’s like my whole day. There’s a lot of preparation leading up to these games for me.’’
- The Knicks are fans of the NBA’s emphasis on not calling fouls on defensive players when shooters jump into them, per Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News. While some teams have struggled to adapt, Evan Fournier believes the league is moving in the right direction. “It was actually very frustrating for me. For years — I don’t like to compare anything — but coming from Europe we have guys that aren’t as physical, aren’t as athletic, and yet the game is more physical there,” Fournier said. “So as a rookie, I kept fouling and fouling and fouling. And I was like, ‘What the hell?’ I’m skinny. I’m not that strong. And I think the league did a great job. We have to adjust. As a fan, I think it’s better. You don’t want to see guys trying to trick referees all the time.”
- Mitchell Robinson had two serious injuries last season, so he understands what Bulls forward Patrick Williams is going through, Bondy adds in a separate piece. Williams suffered torn ligaments in his left wrist after Robinson’s flagrant foul this week, and Robinson felt the need to defend himself against accusations on social media. “I was just reading stuff and people trying to make it seem like it was something that it’s not, which that’s what people want to do,” Robinson said. “I went down myself. I know the pain. I know what it is. So when somebody goes down, I feel what they feel. I went through two injuries back-to-back. That’s the worst feeling in the world.”
RJ had an incredible performance last night. Maybe the best I seen him look since he destroyed team USA at the U19 semis a few yrs ago. But Zion is definitely a better basketball player & he would most likely be playing rn if he was a Knick. Ja & RJ have been great (especially Ja) but Zion is on a different level & tbh I thought that was pretty clear by now
You obviously haven’t seen enough of RJ. And yeah Zion is on a different level. Cause when they stand together his level goes down a foot. Best thing basketball gods did for us was give us the THIRD pick. ThankU
The 2ed pick would have been better. All world PG.
It is very clear indeed my friend!
Zion is better, but actually being on a basketball court matters. 24 games as a rookie and he’s currently not playing and doesn’t even have a time table for his return. And he’s like 325 pounds right now. Through 2+ years, Ja has been more valuable simply because he’s been on the court playing at a high level. If Zion is out for a long time this year and RJ can keep this up, RJ will pass Zion, too. Health matters.
People keep hyping up Zion because of his potential and how well he performs when he’s actually on the court. But like you pointed out missing 66 of your first 151 NBA games is not a good way to start out one’s career. Maybe he’ll turn things around like Embiid has, or perhaps Zion is going to become the next Greg Oden. We shall see.
I agree Zion is a different talent. But you have to play. And him being overweight his whole career really is a bad sign. Even at 280 lbs, coming out of college. He won’t last. His weight seems to me will always be an issue. That’s why I’m glad we got RJ. But all three have big time potential IMO.
RJ is good for sure and still has a lot more potential to unfold, but would you really want him over Ja?
Actually I wanted Ja. Big Ja fan since college days. But I don’t live in past bro. We got Kemba and Rose. And McBride coming up. RJ still has a lot of room for growth. He’s going to be best 2way player of his draft class. I see a lot of Jimmy in him. Thibs is the right guy to bring it out. Ja is for Real but I’m happy with RJ and our team now.
Had Knicks landed Zion, there’s every likelihood that Randle would not still be on this team. Zion is an awesome talent, but I am very happy having Barrett and Randle right now.
Pelicans need a top tier guard, and solid PF to replace Zion when he is not available
Let’s tank the season if they can’t make a good trade
Tank like Rockets and Thunder
Pelicans were not at 100%. Missing their best two players. Knicks played down to their level. Like they did against Magic after blowing them out. Not a good trend under Thibs. This is why you need good vets on team. They need to get a handle on this. Or will hurt them. RJ did have a big game. Most important was him being clutch. At 21 he is still learning. And I see a big Thibs influence on him. Think Jimmy B and great 2way player as his ceiling. Still a very young player with a lot to learn. But I love RJ.
Knicks ——— 5 – 1 and on top of East.
I guess I should remind all the haters here all the Nonsense they spoke about me and Knicks. Like when I told you two yrs ago Fournier is the guy we need. When I said PG and Shooting is what we need most. When I said Mitch is the guy we miss on this team. Even when I said signing Taj, Burkes, Rose, Noel for good money. Was worth it cause they are Thibs guys. LOYALTY it will work for you in a team sport. Or most of my Knicks takes. I guess I can tell you how right I was, am. Well I guess I just did.
I never think I know more than a local fan. I try to learn or understand how they feel. Cause a true fan follows their team closely. So can teach you something if you respect this game. So this is for all the GENIUSES here who just think ranting is a form of informing. Suxx It lols
This is what true knowledge looks like . Aha
Lol your 5-1 and have won nothing, and your offensive system of playground offense will again be embarrassed in the playoffs
Mitch is bigger than I thought- saw the Thursday game. However the illegal pkays which resulted in PW out for season & a late (uncalled) clotheslining of Ball on tge final play should be investigated by the league. He seems to play a bit dirty.
BTW Mr Fournier I do love to see crafty players trying to trick the referees all the time, that way you are rewarding craftiness, cunning & genius… as it is now you are just rewarding… well… the opposite!
You think muting me protects you. ElDonny .Lo que no entiendes es que cambiaron las reglas the craftiness this yr. Si no miras los juegos. Como puedes comentar. Fournier a sido uno de los mejores FA. Que hemos firmado en años waay. He’s perfect for us. Try watching us. If you want to comment on us. One gm on TNT won’t get it.
ElDon has me blocked, too. Guess he can’t handle Knicks fans.
It has nothing to do with being a Knicks fan, he mutes all of us.
I don’t t mute anyone. Cause in the end we all show our true colors. It’s just basketball folks. Get a grip. Why are you here if you don’t want disagreements. Nothing wrong with being wrong once in awhile. We usually learn more from our mistakes in life.
After yrs of getting grief about Knicks. It’s nice to have a good team and good outlook on their future. Who wouldn’t be happy with that. NYK “In Thibs we Trust”