Zion Williamson, left, and RJ Barrett, speak before the NBA draft on June 20, 2019. Credit: AP/Julio Cortez
SALT LAKE CITY — A year ago, RJ Barrett and Zion Williamson headlined the biggest show in basketball, two stars on a Duke team that was a television event and a cover story everywhere they went. And not surprisingly, when the NBA Draft was held in the summer, Williamson went first to the New Orleans Pelicans and Barrett was grabbed by the Knicks with the third overall pick.
But as the Knicks ready to host the Pelicans Friday at Madison Square Garden, the rookie campaigns have not led to instant success and stardom as some might have expected.