RJ Barrett is set for a homecoming game as the New York Knicks prepare to take on the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night.
His first potential NBA game in Canada is a big moment in RJ Barrett‘s career. The New York Knicks‘ prized rookie was born in Toronto and Wednesday night is a big moment in the young star’s career.
Barrett missed Sunday’s contest against the Brooklyn Nets with an illness, but he is listed as probable against the Raptors, according to the team. Additionally, Kevin Knox (contused left quad) and Frank Ntilikina (contused left quad and sore groin) have both been upgraded to probable.
Players rarely miss games when listed as “probable” on the injury report. Therefore, it’s safe to expect all three lottery picks to be in uniform in Toronto. Knox took Barrett’s place in the starting lineup on Sunday.
On Tuesday, Barrett spoke about his homecoming and even said he has a little surprise in store for his hometown.
.@RjBarrett6 says he'll wear "a little something" for Canada tomorrow ?? pic.twitter.com/pcce6yEyWC
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) November 26, 2019
“I’m wearing a little something, a little something for [Canada] tomorrow on the court,” Barrett said. “I can’t tell you nothing, but just know it’ll be a little something. It means a lot. I feel like everybody kind of feels something for where they grew up and where they came from. For me, Canada, the whole country has my back and I love them for that.”
What could that “little something” from Barrett be? My best guess is that the rookie will wear custom sneakers with some kind of connection to Canada. Whether it’s the flag on his kicks or some type of written message remains to be seen.
The Knicks and Raptors tip-off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
