RJ Barrett may have moved on to a new chapter in his career, but his latest remarks make it clear — part of his heart is still in New York. In a candid moment that stunned fans, Barrett admitted that the bond, energy, and sense of belonging he felt with the Knicks is something he hasn’t been able to replicate since leaving.
“Being in New York was different,” Barrett confessed. “It was the fans, the city, the grind… you felt like every night you were playing for something bigger than yourself. I didn’t realize how much I’d miss that until it was gone.
”From his rookie season to his final days in a Knicks jersey, Barrett embraced the pressure and spotlight that came with Madison Square Garden. He shared battles alongside teammates who became brothers and carried the weight of a city hungry for playoff glory. That shared mission forged a connection he now realizes is rare in professional sports.
His transition to his new team, while exciting on paper, has been a stark contrast. The locker room chemistry isn’t the same, the energy in the stands feels different, and the sense of unity Barrett once thrived on is noticeably absent.
“It’s not about just missing a city,” he explained. “It’s missing that feeling — the one where you know 20,000 people have your back, win or lose. That’s what the Knicks gave me.
”For Knicks fans, Barrett’s words are bittersweet — a reminder of the bond they once shared with a rising star, and proof that the Knicks’ culture leaves a lasting mark. Even as he suits up in new colors, it’s clear: New York is still home in his heart.
