Toronto Raptors’ RJ Barrett Exits Preseason Opener with Shoulder Injury

Toronto Raptors guard, RJ Barrett, was forced to leave the preseason opener on Sunday against an undisclosed opponent after sustaining a right shoulder contusion during the first half of the game. The match took place in Montreal, marking the opening of the preseason for the Raptors.

Barrett, a 24-year-old native of Toronto, is anticipated to be a significant offensive contributor for the Raptors in the upcoming season. He was acquired from another team shortly after Christmas in the previous season. During his 32-game stint with the Raptors last season, Barrett recorded an average of 21.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, while maintaining a .553 field goal percentage.

RJ Barrett was originally drafted by the New York Knicks, who selected him as the third overall pick out of Duke University in the 2019 NBA Draft. Over more than four seasons with the Knicks, Barrett established himself as a reliable player before his move to Toronto.

In addition to his contributions at the club level, Barrett has been a key player for the Canadian men’s basketball program and represented Canada in the Paris Olympics earlier this summer.

The Toronto Raptors have faced challenges in recent years, missing the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, a first since the period between 2011 and 2013. Last season, the Raptors concluded with a 25-57 record, placing them fifth in the Atlantic Division and marking their lowest win total in a full 82-game regular season since the 2010-11 season, in which they ended with a 22-60 record.

The Raptors are scheduled to commence their regular season on October 23, hosting an undisclosed opponent at their home venue.