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As RJ Barrett continues to adapt to the NBA, people are catching on that he’s really good. Currently the Duke product is averaging 16.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 4.1 apg and 1.4 steals and getting 35 mpg for the New York Knicks.
He’s also winning people over with plays like this spin move on Dallas star Luka Doncic. To be clear, Doncic is no one’s idea of a great defender, but even so, after he blew past him he still had to deal with other guys down low. It’s a tremendous move for anyone, much less a rookie.
Coach David Fizdale, who may be on the hot seat, has made his trust and respect for his star rookie clear:
“I’m just telling you we have a special kid,’’ Fizdale told the New York Post. “I know with all the suffering we’re going through, one of the true bright lights on this team is RJ Barrett. This kid is just going to keep getting better, and he’s so easy to coach and wants to be a great player in this league — and not just a great player but a leader.’’