RJ Barrett Reflects on First Year with Toronto Raptors

TORONTO, Canada — Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett recently marked a significant milestone: one year since his return to his hometown team. Barrett, who spent the first four-and-a-half years of his NBA career with the New York Knicks, was traded to the Raptors on January 1, 2024, alongside Immanuel Quickley. Since then, the Toronto native has embraced the opportunity to play for his hometown team, both on and off the court.

“It’s just such a blessing to be here. It means a lot more for me to put on this jersey every day, as well as just being back home,” Barrett said in an interview with Daily Hive. “I’ve lived in the States for like, nine to 10 years, to be back in Canada now, I get to live in my hometown. It’s been amazing.”

Barrett, the third overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has been a key contributor for the Raptors since the trade. In 62 games with Toronto, he has averaged 22.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and five assists per game, establishing himself as the team’s leading scorer. His connection to the city runs deep, having grown up in Toronto and attended Montverde Academy in Florida, the same prep school as teammate Scottie Barnes.

Reflecting on his journey, Barrett recalled a memorable preseason game during his time at Duke, where he played against the Ryerson Rams in Mississauga. “We were able to play them in front of all of my family and friends. It was a really great memory to have,” Barrett said, referencing a team that included future No. 1 pick Zion Williamson. “I’m always gonna have those core memories.”

Off the court, Barrett has also found ways to stay connected to his roots. He recently joined PlayStation‘s Playmaker program, alongside other athletes such as Aaliyah Edwards of the Washington Mystics, Sarah Nurse of the Toronto Sceptres, and William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Barrett, a lifelong gamer, credits PlayStation with keeping him entertained during road trips. “I bring it with me on every road trip. I find small times during the day to make sure I play,” he said, naming Call of Duty and NBA 2K as his go-to games.

Despite the challenges of a rebuilding season, Barrett remains optimistic about the Raptors’ future. The team has struggled with injuries, resulting in 16 different starting lineups and an 8-27 record. However, with key players like Barrett, Quickley, Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, and Gradey Dick finally healthy, the Raptors are hopeful for a stronger second half of the season. “It’s very, very annoying, but we’re here now,” Barrett said of the wait. “And the team spirit that we’re all going to have because we’re all back, don’t underestimate that.”

Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic echoed Barrett’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of developing chemistry among the core group. “It’s the first time this year we were actually able to put our projected starting five and see what it looks like on the court,” Rajakovic said. “I hope that now we’re going to be healthy enough so that we can really develop that unit and see what we have.”

As Barrett continues to make an impact both on and off the court, his connection to Toronto remains a driving force in his career. “I’m just learning different things. But I’m still going to all my old spots that I used to go to,” he said, reflecting on his return to the city. For Barrett, playing for the Raptors is more than just a job—it’s a homecoming.