One of the Raptors’ newest players has been proving the naysayers wrong.
RJ Barrett’s formal trade to the Toronto Raptors from the New York Knicks at the end of the 2023 calendar year was a homecoming for the Toronto native. Barrett, born in The Six in June 2000, returned to his hometown and country during his sixth professional season.
RJ’s production with the Knicks was up and down, prompting the front staff to consider transferring him. Barrett, who was only 19 years old when drafted, was anticipated to struggle at first, but patience is always crucial with young athletes.
When he was officially moved out of New York, the discussions about RJ were obviously unfair. According to ESPN Senior Writer Zach Lowe, Barrett was referred to as a “toxic asset” by certain front office personnel and coaches after being traded to the Raptors.
NBA management viewed RJ Barrett’s deal as a “toxic asset”.
It was evident that the negativity toward RJ had gotten out of control, especially given his overall level of play after the trade. Since returning to Toronto, he has proven the skeptics wrong in a huge way.
In 27 games as a Raptor, Barrett is averaging career-highs in points, assists and rebounds per game on career-best shooting splits from three-point range and the floor as a whole. On January 7, in just his fourth game with his new team, RJ put up the third-best scoring night of his career and his most points since 2022 with 37 in a win against the Warriors.
He is currently averaging 22 points on 55% shooting in the month of March, and his contract value has improved massively in the last two and a half months. Barrett is currently playing in year one of a four-year, $107 million contract. Three months ago that may have looked like a burden, but now it is looking like a borderline bargain given his improved play.
Once again, situation is a major determinant of NBA performance. RJ certainly needed a change of environment, and his game is growing as he plays in his hometown.
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