Ian Begley, SNY.tv | Twitter |
Dwyane Wade, one of the best shooting guards in NBA history, offers his take on Knicks rookie shooting guard RJ Barrett:
"I love a kid that wants to take the challenge. RJ really wanted to be a Knick. You guys know that that's been a tough challenge for a lot of players that had the opportunity to choose to go to New York and they haven't. He took it (head) on and said I want to be a Knick. I give him a lot of respect for that," Wade said during a conference call to announce his role as an analyst on NBA on TNT Tuesday Night telecasts.
Wade is likely referring to the free agents who have spurned the Knicks over the last 10 years. Since Barrett was drafted by the team -- short of holding out and refusing to sign with the Knicks -- he didn't have much of a choice about where he played as a rookie. But in the weeks leading up to the draft, Barrett made it clear that he wanted to be a Knick.
The 6-6 guard/forward is averaging 14.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 steal per game for New York. He's currently out for at least a week due to an ankle sprain.
"He's having a good rookie season. In that city, having a coaching change, playing different positions that he's played throughout the year, it's been up and down. But that's what a lot of rookie seasons is," said Wade, whose first appearance on TNT Tuesdays is Jan. 28. "But I really love that kid. I heard his work ethic is amazing. And he's one of the best individuals that you can be around. So I look forward to continuing to follow his career."