Official RJ Barrett Thread

[YogurtProducer]

First it was labelled the OG trade. Then people started calling it the Quickley trade. RJ was the tax. Are we sure it won't eventually turn into the RJ trade?

I know its early, but we absolutely fleeced NY it is looking like. If we even get a role player at 31 its a wrap

[Blazing_royale]

I never saw RJ as a throw in. It's hard to find a starter like him who can score the way he does and he still young. Most of these wings in the league are 3+d. We desperately needed a guy with a scoring mentality (that can drive to the lane at will and cause havoc) he's not a black hole that will freeze out teammates either. We got 2 starter pieces to rebuild with Scottie. RJ been showing he can shoot the 3 and be a reliable scorer who will also pass. He's not hurting us.

[ash_k]

I never saw RJ as a throw in. It's hard to find a starter like him who can score the way he does and he still young. Most of these wings in the league are 3+d. We desperately needed a guy with a scoring mentality (that can drive to the lane at will and cause havoc) he's not a black hole that will freeze out teammates either. We got 2 starter pieces to rebuild with Scottie. RJ been showing he can shoot the 3 and be a reliable scorer who will also pass. He's not hurting us.

Talking about an understatement
For a while, many on this board have talked about Player A as this future All-Star, at some point some had him ahead of Scottie last season.

Player A
20.6 PPG
5.6 RPG
4.1 APG
48.1 FG%
30.8 3P%
BORN in 2001 and will most likely make his playoffs debut at the end of this regular season.
=========================
RJ Barrett
20.5 PPG
6.5 RPG
3.9 APG
55.0 FG%
40.5 3P%
BORN in 2000 and averaged 20 points in the last Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

Player A is Orlando Magic's Franz Wagner

[Scase]

I never saw RJ as a throw in. It's hard to find a starter like him who can score the way he does and he still young. Most of these wings in the league are 3+d. We desperately needed a guy with a scoring mentality (that can drive to the lane at will and cause havoc) he's not a black hole that will freeze out teammates either. We got 2 starter pieces to rebuild with Scottie. RJ been showing he can shoot the 3 and be a reliable scorer who will also pass. He's not hurting us.

Talking about an understatement
For a while, many on this board have talked about Player A as this future All-Star, at some point some had him ahead of Scottie last season.

Player A
20.6 PPG
5.6 RPG
4.1 APG
48.1 FG%
30.8 3P%
BORN in 2001 and will most likely make his playoffs debut at the end of this regular season.
=========================
RJ Barrett
20.5 PPG
6.5 RPG
3.9 APG
55.0 FG%
40.5 3P%
BORN in 2000 and averaged 20 points in the last Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

Player A is Orlando Magic's Franz Wagner

RJ has been playing well here, there's no need to flub the numbers. You're comparing 52 games of franz vs 22 games of RJ as a raptor.

Career wise it's a wash at best, with Franz edging him out due to age and overall better career stats.


RJ is doing very well here, we can be honest about the comparisons.

[DoctaJ]

I never saw RJ as a throw in. It's hard to find a starter like him who can score the way he does and he still young. Most of these wings in the league are 3+d. We desperately needed a guy with a scoring mentality (that can drive to the lane at will and cause havoc) he's not a black hole that will freeze out teammates either. We got 2 starter pieces to rebuild with Scottie. RJ been showing he can shoot the 3 and be a reliable scorer who will also pass. He's not hurting us.

Talking about an understatement
For a while, many on this board have talked about Player A as this future All-Star, at some point some had him ahead of Scottie last season.

Player A
20.6 PPG
5.6 RPG
4.1 APG
48.1 FG%
30.8 3P%
BORN in 2001 and will most likely make his playoffs debut at the end of this regular season.
=========================
RJ Barrett
20.5 PPG
6.5 RPG
3.9 APG
55.0 FG%
40.5 3P%
BORN in 2000 and averaged 20 points in the last Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

Player A is Orlando Magic's Franz Wagner

RJ has been playing well here, there's no need to flub the numbers. You're comparing 52 games of franz vs 22 games of RJ as a raptor.

Career wise it's a wash at best, with Franz edging him out due to age and overall better career stats.


RJ is doing very well here, we can be honest about the comparisons.

You talk about small sample size and then show a graphic comparing the 7 games they've played head-to-head talking about overall better career stats..

Let's talk about career (putting aside that as much as it's weird to compare 52 to 22 games - in a way it's just as weird to use numbers from a team/role he no longer plays for/in).

Rk Player Age From To G GS MP FG FGA FG% 2P 2PA 2P% 3P 3PA 3P% eFG% FT FTA FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF PTS
1 RJ Barrett 19-23 2019-20 2023-24 319 318 33.3 6.6 15.3 .431 4.9 10.5 .469 1.6 4.7 .345 .485 3.5 4.9 .711 0.9 4.5 5.4 2.9 0.6 0.3 2.1 2.3 18.3
2 Franz Wagner 20-22 2021-22 2023-24 211 211 32.0 6.6 13.8 .478 5.2 9.6 .537 1.5 4.2 .343 .530 3.1 3.6 .852 1.0 3.6 4.6 3.5 0.9 0.3 1.9 2.2 17.8

Even career wise it's basically a wash - yes RJ has more experience and is a year older. But the numbers really aren't that different.

Edit: ignore all of the above

[YogurtProducer]

Talking about an understatement
For a while, many on this board have talked about Player A as this future All-Star, at some point some had him ahead of Scottie last season.

Player A
20.6 PPG
5.6 RPG
4.1 APG
48.1 FG%
30.8 3P%
BORN in 2001 and will most likely make his playoffs debut at the end of this regular season.
=========================
RJ Barrett
20.5 PPG
6.5 RPG
3.9 APG
55.0 FG%
40.5 3P%
BORN in 2000 and averaged 20 points in the last Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

Player A is Orlando Magic's Franz Wagner

RJ has been playing well here, there's no need to flub the numbers. You're comparing 52 games of franz vs 22 games of RJ as a raptor.

Career wise it's a wash at best, with Franz edging him out due to age and overall better career stats.


RJ is doing very well here, we can be honest about the comparisons.

You talk about small sample size and then show a graphic comparing the 7 games they've played head-to-head talking about overall better career stats..

Let's talk about career (putting aside that as much as it's weird to compare 52 to 22 games - in a way it's just as weird to use numbers from a team/role he no longer plays for/in).

Rk Player Age From To G GS MP FG FGA FG% 2P 2PA 2P% 3P 3PA 3P% eFG% FT FTA FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF PTS
1 RJ Barrett 19-23 2019-20 2023-24 319 318 33.3 6.6 15.3 .431 4.9 10.5 .469 1.6 4.7 .345 .485 3.5 4.9 .711 0.9 4.5 5.4 2.9 0.6 0.3 2.1 2.3 18.3
2 Franz Wagner 20-22 2021-22 2023-24 211 211 32.0 6.6 13.8 .478 5.2 9.6 .537 1.5 4.2 .343 .530 3.1 3.6 .852 1.0 3.6 4.6 3.5 0.9 0.3 1.9 2.2 17.8

Even career wise it's basically a wash - yes RJ has more experience and is a year older. But the numbers really aren't that different.

The graphic is for all their games. Not 7. WHich is why the GP column has 200+

[ATLTimekeeper]

Franz is a three level scorer, RJ isn't. RJ definitely has all-star potential but it will likely come with team success. I love that he's working with DeMar in the summer. There aren't too many vets left in the league with his work ethic.

[Scase]

Talking about an understatement
For a while, many on this board have talked about Player A as this future All-Star, at some point some had him ahead of Scottie last season.

Player A
20.6 PPG
5.6 RPG
4.1 APG
48.1 FG%
30.8 3P%
BORN in 2001 and will most likely make his playoffs debut at the end of this regular season.
=========================
RJ Barrett
20.5 PPG
6.5 RPG
3.9 APG
55.0 FG%
40.5 3P%
BORN in 2000 and averaged 20 points in the last Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

Player A is Orlando Magic's Franz Wagner

RJ has been playing well here, there's no need to flub the numbers. You're comparing 52 games of franz vs 22 games of RJ as a raptor.

Career wise it's a wash at best, with Franz edging him out due to age and overall better career stats.


RJ is doing very well here, we can be honest about the comparisons.

You talk about small sample size and then show a graphic comparing the 7 games they've played head-to-head talking about overall better career stats..

Let's talk about career (putting aside that as much as it's weird to compare 52 to 22 games - in a way it's just as weird to use numbers from a team/role he no longer plays for/in).

Rk Player Age From To G GS MP FG FGA FG% 2P 2PA 2P% 3P 3PA 3P% eFG% FT FTA FT% ORB DRB TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF PTS
1 RJ Barrett 19-23 2019-20 2023-24 319 318 33.3 6.6 15.3 .431 4.9 10.5 .469 1.6 4.7 .345 .485 3.5 4.9 .711 0.9 4.5 5.4 2.9 0.6 0.3 2.1 2.3 18.3
2 Franz Wagner 20-22 2021-22 2023-24 211 211 32.0 6.6 13.8 .478 5.2 9.6 .537 1.5 4.2 .343 .530 3.1 3.6 .852 1.0 3.6 4.6 3.5 0.9 0.3 1.9 2.2 17.8

Even career wise it's basically a wash - yes RJ has more experience and is a year older. But the numbers really aren't that different.

Those stats in the image are career numbers. It's just how bbref labels things.

Hence the head to head section being separate from the overall section.

[DoctaJ]

The graphic is for all their games. Not 7. WHich is why the GP column has 200+

Those stats in the image are career numbers. It's just how bbref labels things.

Hence the head to head section being separate from the overall section.

Yup, you guys right.

I could have sworn the graphic used to only show their head-to-head stats and not career stats.. but you right.

[raptorforlife88]

As someone who absolutely thought that RJ was going to be an anchor contract, I think two months of play and 22 games is a pretty good sample size to start thinking the changes to his game are real.

He's simply no longer expected to isolate and create his own shot and that has made a huge difference. He's getting the ball with the advantage created and the using his strength to attack.

I think you really have to respect that he came onto this team and immediately accepted the style of play. His assist numbers are proof of that.

Even if his percentages aren't completely sustainable, his style of play changing is enough to potentially keep him at the level of a very solid starter.

[PoundTown]

As someone who absolutely thought that RJ was going to be an anchor contract, I think two months of play and 22 games is a pretty good sample size to start thinking the changes to his game are real.

He's simply no longer expected to isolate and create his own shot and that has made a huge difference. He's getting the ball with the advantage created and the using his strength to attack.

I think you really have to respect that he came onto this team and immediately accepted the style of play. His assist numbers are proof of that.

Even if his percentages aren't completely sustainable, his style of play changing is enough to potentially keep him at the level of a very solid starter.

Hopefully, demar can help him get better in the isolation game in the summer as we will always need it, but have to respect RJs willingness to compete and score for the team. He is better suited for this offence than any sort of isolation offence, but there will always be a need for an end of shotclock isolation scorer. He’s playing to his strengths right now and is great at attacking close outs with quick decisions and working off hand offs and things like that.

[Tha Cynic]

First it was labelled the OG trade. Then people started calling it the Quickley trade. RJ was the tax. Are we sure it won't eventually turn into the RJ trade?

I know its early, but we absolutely fleeced NY it is looking like. If we even get a role player at 31 its a wrap

Any time you can get two starter level young players for one, that's a steal. It has completely changed the talent pool even if we did lose Siakam for a bench player and picks (hopefully we get a couple of good players in the draft, and Ochai is already looking decent).

RJ is a midrange game from being star scorer. The only thing is, his game just looks so awkward anytime he's doing something other than driving to the basket. I really hope Darko can work his magic, to tweak something in his jumper and it's not a drastic overhaul.

He also has the makeup of a good defender, so it's strange that he gets out-muscled so easily.

[YogurtProducer]

First it was labelled the OG trade. Then people started calling it the Quickley trade. RJ was the tax. Are we sure it won't eventually turn into the RJ trade?

I know its early, but we absolutely fleeced NY it is looking like. If we even get a role player at 31 its a wrap

Any time you can get two starter level young players for one, that's a steal. It has completely changed the talent pool even if we did lose Siakam for a bench player and picks (hopefully we get a couple of good players in the draft, and Ochai is already looking decent).

RJ is a midrange game from being star scorer. The only thing is, his game just looks so awkward anytime he's doing something other than driving to the basket. I really hope Darko can work his magic, to tweak something in his jumper and it's not a drastic overhaul.

He also has the makeup of a good defender, so it's strange that he gets out-muscled so easily.

This has the potential to go down as a huge win for us...

We got the younger players, we got more (quality) players, potentially the best player, and the pick.

[ArthurVandelay]

I know its early, but we absolutely fleeced NY it is looking like. If we even get a role player at 31 its a wrap

Any time you can get two starter level young players for one, that's a steal. It has completely changed the talent pool even if we did lose Siakam for a bench player and picks (hopefully we get a couple of good players in the draft, and Ochai is already looking decent).

RJ is a midrange game from being star scorer. The only thing is, his game just looks so awkward anytime he's doing something other than driving to the basket. I really hope Darko can work his magic, to tweak something in his jumper and it's not a drastic overhaul.

He also has the makeup of a good defender, so it's strange that he gets out-muscled so easily.

This has the potential to go down as a huge win for us...

We got the younger players, we got more (quality) players, potentially the best player, and the pick.

Don’t forget Masai managed to sell before OG’s annual/semi-annual weird injury occurred.

[tecumseh18]

Any time you can get two starter level young players for one, that's a steal. It has completely changed the talent pool even if we did lose Siakam for a bench player and picks (hopefully we get a couple of good players in the draft, and Ochai is already looking decent).

RJ is a midrange game from being star scorer. The only thing is, his game just looks so awkward anytime he's doing something other than driving to the basket. I really hope Darko can work his magic, to tweak something in his jumper and it's not a drastic overhaul.

He also has the makeup of a good defender, so it's strange that he gets out-muscled so easily.

This has the potential to go down as a huge win for us...

We got the younger players, we got more (quality) players, potentially the best player, and the pick.

Don’t forget Masai managed to sell before OG’s annual/semi-annual weird injury occurred.

Such an important point. "The best ability is avail-ability". Not only did Raptors get two (younger) starters for one, but we can assume that IQ and RJ won't get the annoying injuries that OG always seems to get. Although RJ's continuing knee pain/swelling is a concern.

[LoveMyRaps]

Franz is a three level scorer, RJ isn't. RJ definitely has all-star potential but it will likely come with team success. I love that he's working with DeMar in the summer. There aren't too many vets left in the league with his work ethic.

Franz is not a three level scorer. RJ is literally a better 3pt shooter.
But I wouldn't consider either to be a three level scorer just yet.

[OakleyDokely]

His efficiency as a Raptors is nuts.

.557 FG%, .415 3PT% with .620 TS%.

The only real negative so far is the FT% at 59%. Given that a lot of his points come close to the basket, he needs to shoot at least 70%.

[niQ]

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[Thaddy]

His efficiency as a Raptors is nuts.

.557 FG%, .415 3PT% with .620 TS%.

The only real negative so far is the FT% at 59%. Given that a lot of his points come close to the basket, he needs to shoot at least 70%.

I'd say the bigger negative is his on/off numbers. Barnes and Quickely are positives but add in RJ with either or both and they are a negative line up.

[raptorforlife88]

His efficiency as a Raptors is nuts.

.557 FG%, .415 3PT% with .620 TS%.

The only real negative so far is the FT% at 59%. Given that a lot of his points come close to the basket, he needs to shoot at least 70%.

I'd say the bigger negative is his on/off numbers. Barnes and Quickely are positives but add in RJ with either or both and they are a negative line up.

I'm not even sure I get why that would be the case, and it may just be a small sample. He's been efficient, hasn't turned the ball over frequently, has not dominated the ball (he was third in ball handling duties pre Barnes injury), has been a pretty willing passer.

Not a lot of reason besides the sample size for it to be meaningful I think. His EPM is fine, I don't think his play has been a negative in impacting Barnes or Quickley.