NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 21: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks dribbles during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden on February 21, 2021 in New York City. The Knicks won 103-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Young Knicks star R.J. Barrett shared why things are going right for the normally dysfunctional team in 2021.
The New York Knicks are the surprise of the NBA in 2021. The team enters play Wednesday with an 18-18 record, good enough for fifth in the Eastern Conference.
Julius Randle is playing at an All-Star level and former No. 3 overall pick R.J. Barrett is right there beside him in terms of production. The latter recently spoke on the turnaround taking place under Tom Thibodeau this season.
Barrett discusses the culture change taking place for the Knicks
The list of examples goes on and on when it comes to past dysfunction within the Knicks organization from ownership on down to the players. Winning can solve all problems and the players actually liking each other, as Barrett mentions, goes a long way toward building a cohesive team.
The Knicks entered the seasons with questions swirling around Randle and Barrett. Both players have started in all 36 games and lead the team in scoring.
Thibodeau coming in with his experience goes a long way as well. Randle is 26 years old and Barrett is only 20. Having a veteran coach instill a winning culture is easier when younger players are ready to buy in and work.
The Knicks were not able to land any top free agents this past offseason and that has been a recurring theme for years. It takes a winning culture and more than just money to lure top talent to a team, even in New York City.
This franchise has not been to the postseason since 2013 and has not had a winning season since then. Barrett was brought in to be a foundational piece and him talking about building up a culture is a great sign for Knicks fans sick of all the losing and drama.