Knicks forward RJ Barrett dribbles downcourt in the first quarter of a NBA preseason game on Oct. 16. Photo Credit: Corey Sipkin
SAN ANTONIO — The Knicks spent the preseason trying to figure out who would emerge from the trio of point guards competing for the starting — or closing — role. And 90 minutes before the opening tip on opening night against the San Antonio Spurs, Knicks coach David Fizdale threw a curveball into the mix.
Rather than Dennis Smith Jr., whom the Knicks acquired in the Kristaps Porzingis trade; Frank Ntilikina, the 21-year-old lottery pick, or Elfrid Payton, who was signed as a free agent this summer with the idea that he would be given a chance to start, the Knicks opted for RJ Barrett.