The New York Knicks have not hosted the NBA Rookie of the Year since the 1985-86 season, when Patrick Ewing followed up being the No. 1 overall pick to win the award. Besides Kristaps Porzingis, the past three decades have not seen a player approach this accolade, whether due to having lower first-round picks, no first-round picks or unproductive rookies.
The next batch of Knicks rookies is led by RJ Barrett, the No. 3 pick of the 2019 NBA Draft. He has expectations after high school and collegiate success, but the professional level offers different circumstances, including the opposing talent level.