Knicks' RJ Barrett Enters Health and Safety Protocols, Won't Play vs. Bucks

Tyler Conway @@jtylerconwayFeatured Columnist IVDecember 12, 2021

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 24: Head Coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks and RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks talk during a game against the Orlando Magic on October 24, 2021 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

New York Knicks swingman RJ Barrett has been placed in the NBA's health and safety protocols and will miss Sunday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

New York City requires resident athletes to be vaccinated to play, so it's known that Barrett has been inoculated. He will need two negative PCR tests 24 hours apart to be eligible to return under the NBA's rules for vaccinated players.

It's unknown if Barrett is exhibiting any symptoms.

The Duke product has been healthy all season after playing all 72 games in 2020-21. He's been in the lineup for 25 of the Knicks' 26 games, averaging 15.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists. It's been a bit of an underwhelming output for a young scorer who many saw as a star in the making after a strong second NBA season.

The Knicks will rely more on Evan Fournier and Alec Burks with Barrett out. Immanuel Quickley is likely to take Barrett's place in the starting lineup, while Derrick Rose could also see additional time off the bench.

Kemba Walker, who has been taken out of the rotation by coach Tom Thibodeau, may wind up seeing some playing time as well.

✨ Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content