The Understated Importance of RJ Barrett

I am a big fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And my favorite superhero since I was young has always been Iron Man. In a childhood where people loved the raw power of the Hulk and the good guy narrative of Captain America, I always gravitated towards Tony Stark. Why? In my mind, Iron Man is a superhero based on developed wealth and intellect as opposed to science experiments or alien evolution. When it came time to make an Iron Man movie, the announcement of Robert Downey Jr playing Tony Stark just made so much sense. He was troubled just like Tony and had the bravado to embody the character. Downey was so good in the role, that imaging anyone else playing the part feels foolish.

Downey felt as if he was tailor-made to play Tony Stark and Iron Man. His story and persona were just a natural fit. Now and then, we see athletes that fit the billing of being a perfect fit for a team and a market. These types of situations are increasingly rare in the world of modern sports that is fueled by player movement and free agency. It is especially rare in New York with the Knicks as the team has had a revolving door of players for the better part of the last two decades. But it seems we finally have the perfect fit at Madison Square Garden. His name is RJ Barrett, and his value to the Knicks seems to transcend the 94 feet of hardwood on Pennsylvania Ave.