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3 reasons why RJ Barrett will live up to his contract extension with Knicks

By Chris Gallagher

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 18: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the second half of the game against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on March 18, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 18: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the second half of the game against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on March 18, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, RJ Barrett
RJ Barrett, New York Knicks. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

1. RJ Barrett is going to continue to get better

If you click on my name at the top of this article, you’ll be able to see all my articles, and you’ll understand two things: One is that I’m such a huge RJ Barrett fan it’s kind of strange, considering I idolize a guy who’s 367 days older than me (yeah, I counted), and the second is that I have 100% confidence that the Knicks will be at their best when RJ is given the keys.

It looks as if New York was reluctant to give Barrett his money, which is definitely problematic, but he got paid, so however the front office feels is irrelevant. Barrett does not seem offended by this, he has the highest potential on the Knicks, so he is in a position to be the most coveted asset.

The Knicks offered Barrett in trades for Donovan Mitchell, but since the Jazz basically wanted Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin, Quentin Grimes, 700 draft picks, New York Mayor Eric Adams, the Statue of Liberty, the ghost of Carmelo Anthony, Clyde Frazier’s suits, Mike Breen to call their games, and even control over DailyKnicks, it makes sense why the Knicks didn’t make this trade. They would have been mortgaging the future for a team that is, at best, a second-round playoff exit.

RJ Barrett now gets to continue to become the first homegrown Knicks star since Patrick Ewing, who was drafted 15 years before Barrett was born. Barrett is also the highest draft pick the Knicks have had since Ewing, so it makes sense to ride this out and see what Barrett can do.

Barrett’s potential is incredible, and he has shown this before he could legally drink. At 22 years old and entering his fourth NBA season, he now will have the most opportunities possible due to his new contract and the team’s youth movement. We are about to see the beginning of the RJ Barrett era in full force.

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