The RJ Barrett versus Zion Williams buddy battle for NBA Rookie of the Year starts as early as possible when the Knicks face the Pelicans to open the Las Vegas Summer League on July 5.
Vegas knows how to put on a show.
Barrett said at his introductory Garden press conference Friday that the Rookie of the Year Award is on his radar. Williamson was selected No. 1 and Barrett No. 3 in Thursday’s draft. They are best friends and took Duke to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament this year.
“I’m not going to say that I don’t want it,’’ Barrett said.