Team Canada unveiled their 2019 FIBA World Cup training camp invitees and New York Knicks rookie RJ Barrett is on the list.
RJ Barrett is having a busy summer. After being drafted by the New York Knicks in June and playing in the Las Vegas Summer League in July, he’s gearing up for more basketball.
The lefty wing was invited to Team Canada‘s training camp in advance of the 2019 FIBA World Cup. Barrett is one of 29 Canadian players who will attend camp and look to crack the final roster.
The World Cup begins on Aug. 31 and will go into mid-September. It’s unclear whether or not Barrett will make the final team, but he isn’t the only Knick considering going to China to compete.
It’s worth noting that Barrett’s father, Rowan, is the general manager of Team Canada.
According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, Ignas Brazdeikis, who previously played with Team Canada, wants to play for Lithuania in the future.
In addition to the rookies, third-year Frenchman Frank Ntilikina is going to play for Team France.
Finally I can announce the news ,
Frank Ntilikina will participate at the World Cup with the French National Team .— Thom Tyi (@FrenchKnicksPod) June 12, 2019
Ntilikina hasn’t played since March due to nagging injuries. Since Jan. 28, the 20-year-old Frenchman has only played in two games total.
His future is uncertain in New York and it won’t be easy to find playing time with all the new veterans signed this offseason. The World Cup could be the best thing for the lanky guard.
The World Cup will allow Ntilikina to get back into game shape before the start of the season. Moreover, if he plays well it can give him some confidence as he prepares for a pivotal third season with the Knicks.
