Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett looked nothing like a star in his time with the New York Knicks, the team that drafted him third overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. He looked solid, all right, but more as a third option-type player—not a star, let alone a superstar.
A change in scenery, though, seems to have done wonders for the 24-year-old Canadian, who is appears to have been unleashed in his home country of Canada by way of the Toronto Raptors.
Barrett’s star turn actually began last season, when he posted career-highs of 21.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists.
This season, the former lottery pick has been thrust to the spotlight even more with Toronto’s injury woes and lack of top-tier talent. Barrett has responded in kind, showing off a more polished all-around game and a more aggressive, attacking mindset. In fact, he has been among the few bright spots of the Raptors, averaging 23.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists.
It’s unclear yet if Barrett will make the leap to superstar, but he sure is a budding star right now.
