Official RJ Barrett Thread

[MEDIC]

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[johanliebert]

I can't believe someone suggested a 6th man role for RJ on this roster. Some of you are just cynics and theres no changing that.

[tsherkin]

The sort of game which makes you wonder. Of course, it was the Pacers, and they are dreadful on defense. Hot from 3, killing it in the paint. Nice game.

[ATLTimekeeper]

The sort of game which makes you wonder. Of course, it was the Pacers, and they are dreadful on defense. Hot from 3, killing it in the paint. Nice game.

Right now 23/6/6 with a 20 year old second option that gets bear-hugged off the ball without the benefit of a whistle, and a PnR roll-only third option. Hopefully we get at least 10 games this year with RJ, Scottie and IQ to see what it's supposed to look like.

[LastNameEver]

I can't believe someone suggested a 6th man role for RJ on this roster. Some of you are just cynics and theres no changing that.

Mans literally has to go in the record books just to keep haters off his ass for a few days.

He will be a good 3rd or 4th option, let the kid live.

[tsherkin]

The sort of game which makes you wonder. Of course, it was the Pacers, and they are dreadful on defense. Hot from 3, killing it in the paint. Nice game.

Right now 23/6/6 with a 20 year old second option that gets bear-hugged off the ball without the benefit of a whistle, and a PnR roll-only third option. Hopefully we get at least 10 games this year with RJ, Scottie and IQ to see what it's supposed to look like.

That would be very nice, yes.

[MEDIC]

RJ has played basically 1/2 a season for the Raptors (44 games):

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That's pretty insane.

[Basketball_Jones]

I can't believe someone suggested a 6th man role for RJ on this roster. Some of you are just cynics and theres no changing that.

Depends who we draft. Overall it comes down to a preference of starting Gradey or RJ if we draft a wing.

[AbC?]

If Barnes was putting up the statlines and closing a game out like RJ did against Indiana the fanbase would be dubbing him the next all-time great.

I'm fairly neutral on RJ myself but the double standards are crazy. Barnes gets every excuse imaginable and RJ gets nitpicked for every deficiency.

[MEDIC]

I can't believe someone suggested a 6th man role for RJ on this roster. Some of you are just cynics and theres no changing that.

Depends who we draft. Overall it comes down to a preference of starting Gradey or RJ if we draft a wing.

I don't see RJ coming off the bench for anyone until later in his career. Just being honest. It's a lot easier to sell Gradey on being the next Tyler Hero.

Regarding who we draft........that player will have to prove they deserve to start over RJ (and Gradey). Maybe they spend a year or 2 on the bench......who knows.

People act like its a sure thing that we are drafting the next Kevin Durant this coming draft.

[MEDIC]

If Barnes was putting up the statlines and closing a game out like RJ did against Indiana the fanbase would be dubbing him the next all-time great.

I'm fairly neutral on RJ myself but the double standards are crazy. Barnes gets every excuse imaginable and RJ gets nitpicked for every deficiency.

Agreed. The truth is all of our players lack something. They all have work to do.

Scottie: Improve outside shooting. Be more aggressive offensively. Limit unforced turnovers. Needs a go to move.

Quickley: Poor defender. No quick first step. Not a great playmaker.

RJ: Poor mid range game. Needs to improve defensive footwork. Needs to improve FT shooting.

Gradey: Needs to work on strength. Poor defender. Inconsistent offensively.

The hope is that all if them grow and improve.

[djsunyc]

rj's bounce back after a really bad few games on the road is an awesome sign.

he needs to limit those awful live ball turnovers that create fast breaks for the other team. well the whole team does but he's a primary ball handler w/ barnes and quickley out.

[raincityraptors]

I can't tell if RJ is playing hero ball or if players aren't cutting enough to give him lanes.

His on ball defense is quite encouraging. He is learning how to use his strength on that end.

I know his legs are tired and opposing teams are planning for him.

I do think these on ball reps will be good for him long term.

He needs to find a reliable in-between move in the offseason.

I know he's slumping but I am going to show him support because he is my favorite player regardless.

Keep at it RJ!

I wanted to have his back when he was slumping because I knew he would bounce back.

Keep it up RJ, you're my favorite player regardless. I'm loving the uptick on onball defense.

Is he our best PnR ballhandler moving forward? I am loving Point Guard RJ.

He is finding an in-between game now with that hook shot or jumper over his right shoulder.

[youngRAPZ]

RJ has been great and it feels good to say I like every single player on the team including Bouche who my girlfriend says I’m too hard on but it’s only because I know and believe in his ability when locked in.

[Ell Curry]

I can't believe someone suggested a 6th man role for RJ on this roster. Some of you are just cynics and theres no changing that.

Eh, it wouldn't be that shocking if our best rotation was this:

Quickley 33 -Dick 31 - Agbaji 31 -Barnes 34 - Poeltl 29
Mitchell 15 - Barrett 31 - Mogbo 17 - Olynyk 19

even if Barrett closes games. Quickley, Barnes and Poeltl are going to play, and maybe Agbaji's defence and Dick's shooting are more complimentary around those 3 guys. Barrett is 6th man, Mogbo and Olynyk seem complimentary enough on both ends and Mitchell is the backup PG.

It's possible our best starting lineup won't include Barrett and our bench would be awful (like it is now) without him.

[youngRAPZ]

I can't believe someone suggested a 6th man role for RJ on this roster. Some of you are just cynics and theres no changing that.

Eh, it wouldn't be that shocking if our best rotation was this:

Quickley 33 -Dick 31 - Agbaji 31 -Barnes 34 - Poeltl 29
Mitchell 15 - Barrett 31 - Mogbo 17 - Olynyk 19

even if Barrett closes games. Quickley, Barnes and Poeltl are going to play, and maybe Agbaji's defence and Dick's shooting are more complimentary around those 3 guys. Barrett is 6th man, Mogbo and Olynyk seem complimentary enough on both ends and Mitchell is the backup PG.

It's possible our best starting lineup won't include Barrett and our bench would be awful (like it is now) without him.

Dick and Agbaji will be the starting SG by Committee. OKC is doing it and I don’t see why we shouldn’t either. We face Cleveland and Agbaji should start. We face a team that doesn’t have much coming from the guards and we unleash dick in their face.

[Basketball_Jones]

I can't believe someone suggested a 6th man role for RJ on this roster. Some of you are just cynics and theres no changing that.

Depends who we draft. Overall it comes down to a preference of starting Gradey or RJ if we draft a wing.

I don't see RJ coming off the bench for anyone until later in his career. Just being honest. It's a lot easier to sell Gradey on being the next Tyler Hero.

Regarding who we draft........that player will have to prove they deserve to start over RJ (and Gradey). Maybe they spend a year or 2 on the bench......who knows.

People act like its a sure thing that we are drafting the next Kevin Durant this coming draft.

It is all dependent. But I am forecasting the lotto pick starts on a rebuilding team. Scottie started day 1 so it is not too far fetched.

[Psubs]

RJ has been great and it feels good to say I like every single player on the team including Bouche who my girlfriend says I’m too hard on but it’s only because I know and believe in his ability when locked in.

Must cash in Boucher now!

[youngRAPZ]

RJ has been great and it feels good to say I like every single player on the team including Bouche who my girlfriend says I’m too hard on but it’s only because I know and believe in his ability when locked in.

Must cash in Boucher now!

Love to get a 2nd for him but also wouldn’t mind if he expired or came back on a very cheap contract

[Eating a Book]

RJ's a good piece and I'm looking forward to seeing the IQ/Gradey/RJ/Barnes/Poeltl lineup actually get some run at some point.