While there had been some uncertainty as to whether or not RJ Barrett would be able to suit up for February's Rising Stars Game during NBA All-Star weekend, there now seems to be an answer.
MSG Network's Rebecca Haarlow reported during the second quarter of the Knicks' Saturday night matchup with the Indiana Pacers that Barrett told her he will be playing in the game on Feb. 14 in Chicago.
SNY's Ian Begley had previously noted that there was a feeling that Barrett was unlikely to participate in the game as there was a thought the Knicks and Barrett would take a cautious approach. Begley did note that the timetable on these injuries is always subject to change.
Barrett, the third overall pick in this year's draft, has been sidelined since Jan. 16 with an ankle injury, and while his return date to the court is unknown, the 19-year-old says he will be ready for the All-Star weekend festivities.
Barrett is a member of the World Roster, which also features Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, among others.
Barrett has appeared in 41 games this season for the Knicks, averaging 14.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in his first year.
Among his fellow rookies, Barrett ranks third in points and steals per game, and fifth in assists and rebounds per game.
Here are the full rosters for the Rising Stars Game:
Team USA
Miles Bridges, Forward, Charlotte Hornets
Wendell Carter Jr., Center, Chicago Bulls
Devonte' Graham, Guard, Charlotte Hornets
Tyler Herro, Guard, Miami Heat
Jaren Jackson Jr., Forward, Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant, Guard, Memphis Grizzlies
Kendrick Nunn, Guard, Miami Heat
Eric Paschall, Forward, Golden State Warriors
PJ Washington, Forward, Charlotte Hornets
Zion Williamson, Forward, New Orleans Pelicans
Trae Young, Guard, Atlanta Hawks
Team World
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Guard, New Orleans Pelicans
DeAndre Ayton, Center, Phoenix Suns
RJ Barrett, Guard/Forward, New York Knicks
Brandon Clarke, Forward, Memphis Grizzlies
Luka Donicic, Guard/Forward, Dallas Mavericks
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Guard, Oklahoma City Thunder
Rui Hachimura, Forward, Washington Wizards
Svi Mykhailiuk, Guard/Forward, Detroit Pistons
Josh Okogie, Guard, Minnesota Timberwolves
Mortiz Wagner, Center, Washington Wizards
