RJ Barrett has done everything but win in his first three NBA games.
After a strong preseason, Barrett has been even better in the regular season because he’s even hitting his 3-point shots — not just muscling to the hoop with great body control and inside shot-making flair.
Barrett has achieved an impressive three-game milestone. The 6-foot-7 sniper and only one other player in NBA history have tallied at least 60 points and 15 rebounds and notched five 3-pointers in their first three games. That other player is Kevin Durant.
The third pick in the draft is now the Knicks’ leading scorer, averaging 21 points.
“He’s a stud,” coach David Fizdale said. “That’s the only way I can put it. He’s a stud.”
He’s also averaging 5.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.7 steals. With efficiency feared as his biggest issue, Barrett is shooting 51 percent from the floor — and 54 percent (7 of 13) from 3-point territory.
Barrett isn’t worried about the 0-3 start.
“It’s a whole new team, been together for a couple of weeks, maybe a month,” he said. “We’ve just got to figure it out. What is it, Game 3? It’s a long season, man.”
After Kyrie Irving beat Barrett on the step-back, game-winning 3-pointer Friday, the Nets guard wanted Barrett to know he’s willing to help as a fellow Duke alum.
“I just want to make sure that they understand that I’m here for them outside of the competitive field,’’ Irving said. “But you’re going to have instances in the NBA game where you see one of your Duke brothers or someone you went to college with and they’re going to ask you some questions. I’ve been in the league going on my ninth year now. And seeing RJ be so young and be so poised, really just play fearlessly, it’s great. Coach [Mike Krzyzewski] really prepared him for it. I’m going to see him for a few more years in the league, and just told him to stay calm and I’m always here.’’
Guard Elfrid Payton made it out to a basketball camp Sunday at the Players Association headquarters in Manhattan to teach skill development. … Allonzo Trier, who surprisingly started opening night, scored two points in 21 minutes versus the Celtics, going 0 for 4. Trier was a minus-25.