Official RJ Barrett Thread

[Scase]

Yeah I agree with you on all that, I'm happy to have this be an experimental year and see how it goes. I just tire of hearing everyone claiming that he's some blossoming star or a primary option because of a handful of games. RJs problem from a scoring stand point is that he's a lot closer to Scottie than a true scorer, he's not a shot creator, he's (when efficient) someone who has the scoring chance created for him via passes etc.

In defense of the commentary, this IS the team board. If there's gonna be space for delusional nonsense, this is it. And it's not quite that, it's just... aggressively hopeful. He's young, he has physical tools, he has consistently shown the ability to get to the rim. He just needs to flesh out the REST of his game. We gave DDR a chance to develop for many years, we may as well give Barrett his. And folks are looking for SOME reason to enjoy the season when we look mediocre or worse again, right?

We need someone who can make something out of nothing, and that will be a primary option. People just don't seem to understand that for some reason. I will be happy if RJ ends up being like a 15-17ppg player on good efficiency, rather than 20-22 on very bad efficiency. Hopefully GD can pick it back up again and be that, but 4 of his last 5 have been pretty bad.

He's gassed, facing focal D and notably elevating his volume compared to last year, right? So we'll see what happens as the season wears on with both of them. And with Scottie.

It's just a season to be patient and see what happens, right? I hear you, some of it can get tiring because the weight of history isn't on Barrett's side to the extent that some are describing... but if he gets even 50% of the way back to what he was doing last year with us, then that's a pretty meaty win.

That's fair, I guess I just don't have the hopeless optimism I did from my youth If RJ can be half as good as he was last season, I will consider it a success.

The coaching staff needs to lock him in a gym until he learns how to shoot a FT though lol.

[tsherkin]

That's fair, I guess I just don't have the hopeless optimism I did from my youth If RJ can be half as good as he was last season, I will consider it a success.

I hear you. Eventually, we grow more skeptical, it's somewhat inevitable. But good things do happen from time to time, and yeah, exactly that. Half as good as last season would be pretty huge for us.

The coaching staff needs to lock him in a gym until he learns how to shoot a FT though lol.

Yes.

[Thaddy]

The hopium high from Barrett is slowly fading away. It was weird seeing Barnes say they fit well together. There's an obvious spacing issue in our front court with Poeltl, Barnes, and Barrett. Trading Poeltl to stay young makes sense and we need a stretch big to pull out the opposing interior defense. But it would turn our defense into complete swiss cheese.

I'm going with a new angle. Trade Barrett for a 3+D player that can be the POA defender and stretch the floor from the corners and above the break. Once that is sorted out we should then look to develop a young big to take over Poeltl's role then rightfully send Jakob to a contender where he can play meaningful basketball.

Rocco Zikarsy looks like he could take the helm and fit in well. The Blazers are log jammed with Clingan and Ayton, eventually one or the other will be expendable. I don't like Ayton's lack of spacing ability but he's similar asset to Barrett.

[Dalek]

The hopium high from Barrett is slowly fading away. It was weird seeing Barnes say they fit well together. There's an obvious spacing issue in our front court with Poeltl, Barnes, and Barrett. Trading Poeltl to stay young makes sense and we need a stretch big to pull out the opposing interior defense. But it would turn our defense into complete swiss cheese.

I'm going with a new angle. Trade Barrett for a 3+D player that can be the POA defender and stretch the floor from the corners and above the break. Once that is sorted out we should then look to develop a young big to take over Poeltl's role then rightfully send Jakob to a contender where he can play meaningful basketball.

Rocco Zikarsy looks like he could take the helm and fit in well. The Blazers are log jammed with Clingan and Ayton, eventually one or the other will be expendable. I don't like Ayton's lack of spacing ability but he's similar asset to Barrett.

I do agree with you about the spacing concern with Poeltl, Barnes and Barrett sharing the court, and let's not even discuss their freethrow shooting - with Mitchell currently you have sub-70% on court. Wild.

I do think RJ is a Canadian who reps Toronto/GTA and Masai has a pride about that aspect. Ayton's a flakey guy. You never know what you will get with him on a nightly basis. I'd probably consider this option, but you know how this team operates on loyalty.

[JRoy]

The hopium high from Barrett is slowly fading away. It was weird seeing Barnes say they fit well together. There's an obvious spacing issue in our front court with Poeltl, Barnes, and Barrett. Trading Poeltl to stay young makes sense and we need a stretch big to pull out the opposing interior defense. But it would turn our defense into complete swiss cheese.

I'm going with a new angle. Trade Barrett for a 3+D player that can be the POA defender and stretch the floor from the corners and above the break. Once that is sorted out we should then look to develop a young big to take over Poeltl's role then rightfully send Jakob to a contender where he can play meaningful basketball.

Rocco Zikarsy looks like he could take the helm and fit in well. The Blazers are log jammed with Clingan and Ayton, eventually one or the other will be expendable. I don't like Ayton's lack of spacing ability but he's similar asset to Barrett.

POR will move Ayton if possible. Clingan is a keeper.

[YogurtProducer]

The hopium high from Barrett is slowly fading away. It was weird seeing Barnes say they fit well together. There's an obvious spacing issue in our front court with Poeltl, Barnes, and Barrett. Trading Poeltl to stay young makes sense and we need a stretch big to pull out the opposing interior defense. But it would turn our defense into complete swiss cheese.

I'm going with a new angle. Trade Barrett for a 3+D player that can be the POA defender and stretch the floor from the corners and above the break. Once that is sorted out we should then look to develop a young big to take over Poeltl's role then rightfully send Jakob to a contender where he can play meaningful basketball.

Rocco Zikarsy looks like he could take the helm and fit in well. The Blazers are log jammed with Clingan and Ayton, eventually one or the other will be expendable. I don't like Ayton's lack of spacing ability but he's similar asset to Barrett.

Isn't what you want to trade Barrett for just Agbaji?

[Thaddy]

The hopium high from Barrett is slowly fading away. It was weird seeing Barnes say they fit well together. There's an obvious spacing issue in our front court with Poeltl, Barnes, and Barrett. Trading Poeltl to stay young makes sense and we need a stretch big to pull out the opposing interior defense. But it would turn our defense into complete swiss cheese.

I'm going with a new angle. Trade Barrett for a 3+D player that can be the POA defender and stretch the floor from the corners and above the break. Once that is sorted out we should then look to develop a young big to take over Poeltl's role then rightfully send Jakob to a contender where he can play meaningful basketball.

Rocco Zikarsy looks like he could take the helm and fit in well. The Blazers are log jammed with Clingan and Ayton, eventually one or the other will be expendable. I don't like Ayton's lack of spacing ability but he's similar asset to Barrett.

Isn't what you want to trade Barrett for just Agbaji?

Agbaji isn't reliable in transition and he can't space the floor above the break. The volume and percentages aren't enough. He's the bare minimum in terms of a 4th option guard. He guards well and hits the corner three at a great rate. But that's redundant without a core player that has go to moves and consistently gets doubled.

[Psubs]

The hopium high from Barrett is slowly fading away. It was weird seeing Barnes say they fit well together. There's an obvious spacing issue in our front court with Poeltl, Barnes, and Barrett. Trading Poeltl to stay young makes sense and we need a stretch big to pull out the opposing interior defense. But it would turn our defense into complete swiss cheese.

I'm going with a new angle. Trade Barrett for a 3+D player that can be the POA defender and stretch the floor from the corners and above the break. Once that is sorted out we should then look to develop a young big to take over Poeltl's role then rightfully send Jakob to a contender where he can play meaningful basketball.

Rocco Zikarsy looks like he could take the helm and fit in well. The Blazers are log jammed with Clingan and Ayton, eventually one or the other will be expendable. I don't like Ayton's lack of spacing ability but he's similar asset to Barrett.

So trade Barrett and Quickley for OG and Precious?

[Johnny Bball]

The hopium high from Barrett is slowly fading away. It was weird seeing Barnes say they fit well together. There's an obvious spacing issue in our front court with Poeltl, Barnes, and Barrett. Trading Poeltl to stay young makes sense and we need a stretch big to pull out the opposing interior defense. But it would turn our defense into complete swiss cheese.

I'm going with a new angle. Trade Barrett for a 3+D player that can be the POA defender and stretch the floor from the corners and above the break. Once that is sorted out we should then look to develop a young big to take over Poeltl's role then rightfully send Jakob to a contender where he can play meaningful basketball.

Rocco Zikarsy looks like he could take the helm and fit in well. The Blazers are log jammed with Clingan and Ayton, eventually one or the other will be expendable. I don't like Ayton's lack of spacing ability but he's similar asset to Barrett.

So basically, trade Barrett for OG Anunoby then.

[ATLTimekeeper]

The hopium high from Barrett is slowly fading away. It was weird seeing Barnes say they fit well together. There's an obvious spacing issue in our front court with Poeltl, Barnes, and Barrett. Trading Poeltl to stay young makes sense and we need a stretch big to pull out the opposing interior defense. But it would turn our defense into complete swiss cheese.

I'm going with a new angle. Trade Barrett for a 3+D player that can be the POA defender and stretch the floor from the corners and above the break. Once that is sorted out we should then look to develop a young big to take over Poeltl's role then rightfully send Jakob to a contender where he can play meaningful basketball.

Rocco Zikarsy looks like he could take the helm and fit in well. The Blazers are log jammed with Clingan and Ayton, eventually one or the other will be expendable. I don't like Ayton's lack of spacing ability but he's similar asset to Barrett.

So basically, trade Barrett for OG Anunoby then.

Maybe we can package Bruce Brown with some weak picks for a 6"9 1st option with size to take the pressure off Scottie, too.

[Scase]

The hopium high from Barrett is slowly fading away. It was weird seeing Barnes say they fit well together. There's an obvious spacing issue in our front court with Poeltl, Barnes, and Barrett. Trading Poeltl to stay young makes sense and we need a stretch big to pull out the opposing interior defense. But it would turn our defense into complete swiss cheese.

I'm going with a new angle. Trade Barrett for a 3+D player that can be the POA defender and stretch the floor from the corners and above the break. Once that is sorted out we should then look to develop a young big to take over Poeltl's role then rightfully send Jakob to a contender where he can play meaningful basketball.

Rocco Zikarsy looks like he could take the helm and fit in well. The Blazers are log jammed with Clingan and Ayton, eventually one or the other will be expendable. I don't like Ayton's lack of spacing ability but he's similar asset to Barrett.

So basically, trade Barrett for OG Anunoby then.

Maybe we can package Bruce Brown with some weak picks for a 6"9 1st option with size to take the pressure off Scottie, too.

LOL

[Johnny Bball]

The hopium high from Barrett is slowly fading away. It was weird seeing Barnes say they fit well together. There's an obvious spacing issue in our front court with Poeltl, Barnes, and Barrett. Trading Poeltl to stay young makes sense and we need a stretch big to pull out the opposing interior defense. But it would turn our defense into complete swiss cheese.

I'm going with a new angle. Trade Barrett for a 3+D player that can be the POA defender and stretch the floor from the corners and above the break. Once that is sorted out we should then look to develop a young big to take over Poeltl's role then rightfully send Jakob to a contender where he can play meaningful basketball.

Rocco Zikarsy looks like he could take the helm and fit in well. The Blazers are log jammed with Clingan and Ayton, eventually one or the other will be expendable. I don't like Ayton's lack of spacing ability but he's similar asset to Barrett.

So basically, trade Barrett for OG Anunoby then.

Maybe we can package Bruce Brown with some weak picks for a 6"9 1st option with size to take the pressure off Scottie, too.

Same idea.

[Psubs]

Only player remotely possible is old Jimmy Butler.

[Thaddy]

The hopium high from Barrett is slowly fading away. It was weird seeing Barnes say they fit well together. There's an obvious spacing issue in our front court with Poeltl, Barnes, and Barrett. Trading Poeltl to stay young makes sense and we need a stretch big to pull out the opposing interior defense. But it would turn our defense into complete swiss cheese.

I'm going with a new angle. Trade Barrett for a 3+D player that can be the POA defender and stretch the floor from the corners and above the break. Once that is sorted out we should then look to develop a young big to take over Poeltl's role then rightfully send Jakob to a contender where he can play meaningful basketball.

Rocco Zikarsy looks like he could take the helm and fit in well. The Blazers are log jammed with Clingan and Ayton, eventually one or the other will be expendable. I don't like Ayton's lack of spacing ability but he's similar asset to Barrett.

So trade Barrett and Quickley for OG and Precious?

OG for Barrett would be a big time W trade. There's a reason they added IQ, who was also the main piece. Barrett for a young Covington, Eason, Dyson Daniels, or other high caliber defensive type of player would be a good trade that would make us more winning.

Barrett is kind of like a Mike James. There aren't any stocks, poor 1 on 1 defense, and he's too small to be a PF. He's a power guard (?) I just don't think he's the right prototype of player to invest time and development into. The Canadian factor doesn't matter we need to get projectable top end talent or player that contributes to winning within the supporting cast.

[Airmiess]

When RJ has a not so good game I dread reading RGM lol

[raincityraptors]

He seems to struggle on the road but I feel like RJ is growing and developing.

Over time I hope he becomes consistent but as long as he's growing, we've got to expect setbacks.

Growth isn't linear.

Keep at it RJ! You're my favorite player.

[tsherkin]

He seems to struggle on the road but I feel like RJ is growing and developing.

Over time I hope he becomes consistent but as long as he's growing, we've got to expect setbacks.

Growth isn't linear.

Keep at it RJ! You're my favorite player.

We won't have any real idea until the ASB as first marker, and then end of season. 14G into this one, though, he hasn't really looked this bad since 2022. But we also haven't seen his shot attempts supported by passing nearly as much as they were last season. Until that catches up, we're probably going to be looking at the same RJ.

[Dexjackson]

The hopium high from Barrett is slowly fading away. It was weird seeing Barnes say they fit well together. There's an obvious spacing issue in our front court with Poeltl, Barnes, and Barrett. Trading Poeltl to stay young makes sense and we need a stretch big to pull out the opposing interior defense. But it would turn our defense into complete swiss cheese.

I'm going with a new angle. Trade Barrett for a 3+D player that can be the POA defender and stretch the floor from the corners and above the break. Once that is sorted out we should then look to develop a young big to take over Poeltl's role then rightfully send Jakob to a contender where he can play meaningful basketball.

Rocco Zikarsy looks like he could take the helm and fit in well. The Blazers are log jammed with Clingan and Ayton, eventually one or the other will be expendable. I don't like Ayton's lack of spacing ability but he's similar asset to Barrett.

So trade Barrett and Quickley for OG and Precious?

OG for Barrett would be a big time W trade. There's a reason they added IQ, who was also the main piece. Barrett for a young Covington, Eason, Dyson Daniels, or other high caliber defensive type of player would be a good trade that would make us more winning.

Barrett is kind of like a Mike James. There aren't any stocks, poor 1 on 1 defense, and he's too small to be a PF. He's a power guard (?) I just don't think he's the right prototype of player to invest time and development into. The Canadian factor doesn't matter we need to get projectable top end talent or player that contributes to winning within the supporting cast.

I agree that RJ isn't necessarily the player you want next to Scottie for all the reasons listed and also his lack of shooting. Their strength are fairly similar on offense too. I do think the Canadian factor will matter in us trading him...it shouldn't but I worry that it will blind Masai from a marketing POV.

[Thaddy]

So trade Barrett and Quickley for OG and Precious?

OG for Barrett would be a big time W trade. There's a reason they added IQ, who was also the main piece. Barrett for a young Covington, Eason, Dyson Daniels, or other high caliber defensive type of player would be a good trade that would make us more winning.

Barrett is kind of like a Mike James. There aren't any stocks, poor 1 on 1 defense, and he's too small to be a PF. He's a power guard (?) I just don't think he's the right prototype of player to invest time and development into. The Canadian factor doesn't matter we need to get projectable top end talent or player that contributes to winning within the supporting cast.

I agree that RJ isn't necessarily the player you want next to Scottie for all the reasons listed and also his lack of shooting. Their strength are fairly similar on offense too. I do think the Canadian factor will matter in us trading him...it shouldn't but I worry that it will blind Masai from a marketing POV.

We're the worst team in the league. The guys who should be able to shoot can't lol. Barrett is a power guard with shaky shooting ability. He doesn't have the skills to be a supporting cast player and you can't get far with him as a main piece. The shooting in general from 3s to FTs won't get better. He's been inconsistent his whole career. An expiring and picks in exchange is looking like a pipe dream.

[canada_dry]

RJ is a championship level 6th man on an All time great team, that's the upside I see I don't know how to put it.

His skillset has a lot of value to a title team you just have to implement it right.

Darko compared him to Manu last year and I see the vision so clearly.

Manu is heavily disrespected and underrated.

Manu wasnt best utilized as a sixth man. As a starter Manu was an all nba player. An all star. Arguably should have been a finals mvp in 05. A playoff performer. THAT level of a player as a starter.

He just accepted the sixth man role that pop approached him with due to unselfishness and for the betterment of the team. Not for his OWN betterment like a jamal Crawford or lou will.

There's a big difference in those two scenarios.

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Well maybe he's not Manu I wasn't saying exactly that, but he is also better than the Lou Will and Jamal Crawford.

You contradicted yourself as well, and said Manu wasn't best utilized as a sixth man, and then said he and Pop did it for the betterment of the team.

RJ can be good on or off the bench. But the build of the team would be best with someone like him off the bench imo. Less on him and more on the build of the team.

No contradiction there. It was the betterment of the team because it balanced things out with him running the bench and tony getting the run as the starter. He finished every game and the ball was in HIS hands to end games though , not Tony's.

Not for his betterment because he sacrificed more all nba selections and all star selections than what he actually got in his career... when he was a starter, he was all nba. He sacrificed that. His unselfishness has youngins today referring to him as "just a sixth man" and not understanding how good he actually was(im not saying thats what you're doing. I just see it a lot)

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