RJ Barrett
RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks high fives teammates during a game against the Phoenix Suns at NBA Summer League on July 07, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cassy Athena/Getty Images

The New York Knicks are not relying solely on rookie sensation RJ Barrett’s talent this season.

Undeniably, Barrett is off a strong start in his rookie season. As early as now, the Knicks are already trying to create a competitive team with Barrett and even gone through some issues with NBA’s load management in the process. However, after Barrett’s impressive run, Knicks coach David Fizdale is stated that veteran forward Marcus Morris will be the team’s leader this year.

Morris, who scored a team-high 29 points to help the Knicks secure their second win of the season against the Mavericks, is best known for his ability to defend, score and contribute without taking the spotlight from the team’s superstar.

But following Knicks’ 106-102 victory over Mavs Friday night, Fizdale talked about Morris' leadership and revealed that they have been “following” the forward’s game this season, SNY reported.

"We follow him. Marcus Morris is our leader. He embodies toughness. He embodies team. He really cares about these guys. I think he likes playing for us. He's the guy that hits me up in the middle of the night asking me if I need anything. I've never had a player like that before that just really cares so much," Fizdale revealed.

Marcus Morris
Marcus Morris #13 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on October 7, 2019 in Washington, DC. Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

As for Morris, being a leader is really what he aimed for coming to New York. He also noted that the Knicks got back to their “normal self” – a team which has physical mindset and is sharing the basketball.

"That's what I came to New York for, the opportunity to be a leader," Morris said.

"We still got 73 more games. So yeah. It's good to get a win on the road any time. Taking a step in the right direction. I kind of felt like we got back to our normal self. Physical and sharing the ball. Just being on one page. It was exciting. It was a good win for us," Morris added.

Fizdale said the Knicks weren’t physical enough in the 20-point loss in Detroit and that was the emphasis of the team’s practice prior to facing the Mavs. With Morris now leading the pack, the Knicks are expected to be more scrappy and physical in the following games, New York Post noted.

“That’s gotta be our identity,’’ Morris said about the Knicks being a physical team.

“Coming into the season, that’s what we preached. All training camp, all preseason was very physical. I wouldn’t say we got away from it but the last couple games, we haven’t been as physical,’’ Morris continued.

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