“A lot of people deserve [Rookie of the Year], a lot of people work hard for it. I don’t know. It’s kind of hard not to vote for myself,” Barrett said Friday morning before a Rising Stars practice at Wintrust Arena, home of DePaul basketball.
RJ Barrett Rumors
All NBA Players
Position: G
Born: 06/14/00
Height: 6-6 / 1.98
Weight:202 lbs. / 91.6 kg.
Salary: $7,839,960
Born: 06/14/00
Height: 6-6 / 1.98
Weight:202 lbs. / 91.6 kg.
Salary: $7,839,960
Told he really hasn’t been in the Rookie of the Year conversation, Barrett said, “I feel like a lot of guys are playing really good. There’s a lot of good rookies out there. Ja’s been doing his thing all year. Kendrick [Nunn of the Heat]. Zion’s back now. Guys are playing really well. I’m never going to stop believing in myself.’’
Barrett said he’ll be off to “sunny Florida” Saturday afternoon to unwind after a hectic first half to the Knicks’ season. But first he wants to soak in the All-Star vibes. “I want to pick people’s brains,’’ Barrett said. “There’s a lot of stars here. It’s chance to talk to them and see what they do and apply it to my life. I saw Gary Payton last night. He was cool and spoke to us and told us how hard he worked and told us to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. People have a lot of knowledge.’’
Stefan Bondy: Frank Ntilikina is starting at shooting guard. Barrett is available and coming off the bench.
Mike Vorkunov: RJ Barrett practiced today for the Knicks. He hasn’t played since mid-January because of a sprained right ankle. Barrett says playing tomorrow is a possibility but nothing is certain.
