The New York Knicks welcomed RJ Barrett into the fold at the 2019 NBA Draft, landing No. 3 overall after five weeks of speculation; it once started with his star teammate at Duke, Zion Williamson, before the lottery arrived and determined New York’s fate.
Barrett all along wanted the Knicks, as noted at his pre-draft workout, including declining to meet with the Memphis Grizzlies, who owned the second overall pick and selected Ja Morant.
After hearing his name called by NBA commissioner Adam Silver, Barrett made his first comments as a Knick and said he is “so overwhelmed, humbled and just honored” to be taken by the franchise.