New York Knicks: Five super-early reactions to 2019-20 season

1. RJ Barrett is the early favorite for Rookie of the Year

It takes clearing most of the pieces from this messy start to the season to find the bright spot: RJ Barrett.

Playing heavy minutes from the start, Fizdale has committed to Barrett as the New York Knicks’ focal point with a team-high 36.3 minutes and 21 points per game. As noted, his usage rate is the roster’s largest percentage, meaning the ball is in his hands early and often.

Even the three-point shooting, long a concern, has come around, at 2.3 makes on 4.3 attempts. While this may not last forever, it is a promising development.

There are no signs of Barrett slowing down, either. Sure, the inevitable rookie wall will hit, but the Knicks have a talented, intriguing player to focus their offense on right now and someone for fans to turn their attention to, shoving the 0-3 start aside.

This all hinges well towards Barrett’s early case for the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year award. No Zion Williamson obviously helps this, but the No. 3 overall pick of the draft has played like the top player from his class.

The Knicks have a stellar rookie on their hands, one to center this team around for the next few years. Along with Mitchell Robinson, Kevin Knox and future first-round picks, there is upside towards the future, even if it is far away.