Since Barrett’s injury Raptors offensive rating has plummeted to last in the league

[MEDIC]

I don't know if I'd agree that RJ is the heart of the Raptors.

What I would say is that RJ is just so additive. He adds without taking away. His addition is more limited to the offensive side of the ball, but he has improved on defense to the point that he isn't a complete liability/negative.

I think it's a really unique skill set in a player who can come on the floor, not demand the ball, and actually provide reliable options on the offensive end that unlocks teammates without them sacrificing their strengths.

This has been invaluable to this team build. I'm not sure it would work as well elsewhere. We've seen that RJ isn't as effective as a creator or first option, his productivity and efficiency drops. But on this team, he is essential to the offense working.

He's the heart because of his maturity, consistency & he just never gets too high or too low. The guy just picks up his sledgehammer & pickaxe, puts his head down and goes to work. He just keeps being aggressive. He doesn't let the refs get in his head, other players get in his head, or his misses get in his head. He just keeps playing hard and attacking. He is the closest thing to FVV/ Kyle that we have on the team (in terms of mental approach).

Scottie is too up and down. BI is a little too soft (more of a jump shooter). RJ is physical and aggressive......and he is very consistent about his approach to the game.

[mtcan]

I don't know if I'd agree that RJ is the heart of the Raptors.

What I would say is that RJ is just so additive. He adds without taking away. His addition is more limited to the offensive side of the ball, but he has improved on defense to the point that he isn't a complete liability/negative.

I think it's a really unique skill set in a player who can come on the floor, not demand the ball, and actually provide reliable options on the offensive end that unlocks teammates without them sacrificing their strengths.

This has been invaluable to this team build. I'm not sure it would work as well elsewhere. We've seen that RJ isn't as effective as a creator or first option, his productivity and efficiency drops. But on this team, he is essential to the offense working.

He's the heart because of his maturity, consistency & he just never gets too high or too low. The guy just picks up his sledgehammer & pickaxe, puts his head down and goes to work. He just keeps being aggressive. He doesn't let the refs get in his head, other players get in his head, or his misses get in his head. He just keeps playing hard and attacking. He is the closest thing to FVV/ Kyle that we have on the team (in terms of mental approach).

Scottie is too up and down. BI is a little too soft (more of a jump shooter). RJ is physical and aggressive......and he is very consistent about his approach to the game.

I always say...if Scottie has RJ's mentality to always be looking to attack on offence on all possessions...he would be near unstoppable. RJ isn't the most physical, athletic or vertically gifted but what he makes up for in his approach to be cutting and attacking on offence...that gets him so far.

You wish you get the engaged and aggressive Scottie on O every single game. RJ brings it every game.

[Tripod]

I don't know if I'd agree that RJ is the heart of the Raptors.

What I would say is that RJ is just so additive. He adds without taking away. His addition is more limited to the offensive side of the ball, but he has improved on defense to the point that he isn't a complete liability/negative.

I think it's a really unique skill set in a player who can come on the floor, not demand the ball, and actually provide reliable options on the offensive end that unlocks teammates without them sacrificing their strengths.

This has been invaluable to this team build. I'm not sure it would work as well elsewhere. We've seen that RJ isn't as effective as a creator or first option, his productivity and efficiency drops. But on this team, he is essential to the offense working.

He's the heart because of his maturity, consistency & he just never gets too high or too low. The guy just picks up his sledgehammer & pickaxe, puts his head down and goes to work. He just keeps being aggressive. He doesn't let the refs get in his head, other players get in his head, or his misses get in his head. He just keeps playing hard and attacking. He is the closest thing to FVV/ Kyle that we have on the team (in terms of mental approach).

Scottie is too up and down. BI is a little too soft (more of a jump shooter). RJ is physical and aggressive......and he is very consistent about his approach to the game.

I always say...if Scottie has RJ's mentality to always be looking to attack on offence on all possessions...he would be near unstoppable. RJ isn't the most physical, athletic or vertically gifted but what he makes up for in his approach to be cutting and attacking on offence...that gets him so far.

You wish you get the engaged and aggressive Scottie on O every single game. RJ brings it every game.

RJ has always been a scorer and has had that mentality. Barnes has never been that even back to high-school. It's not going to change. Look at the difference at Mont.

SB 11.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 4.6 APG
RJ 28.7 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 4.5 APG

Barnes has bridged the gap but he will never be a natural scorer like RJ...or a BI.

[tsherkin]

RJ has always been a scorer and has had that mentality. Barnes has never been that even back to high-school. It's not going to change. Look at the difference at Mont.

Every scout ever has been telling everyone this since before he was drafted.

Barnes has bridged the gap but he will never be a natural scorer like RJ...or a BI.

Yup. That's just not in the cards. It isn't in his makeup.

[djsunyc]

his future with the team will probably depend alot on his salary demands but that's a question for next year.

[mtcan]

his future with the team will probably depend alot on his salary demands but that's a question for next year.

I think the decision is clearer now than ever before...you keep either IQ or RJ and so far...and the way things are playing...the guy to keep is RJ.

I think IQ is traded between now and the trade deadline and RJ is extended to something somewhat team friendly because RJ genuinely loves playing in his hometown. A real hometown discount that works in the Raptors favour for a change....

[Thaddy]

his future with the team will probably depend alot on his salary demands but that's a question for next year.

I think the decision is clearer now than ever before...you keep either IQ or RJ and so far...and the way things are playing...the guy to keep is RJ.

I think IQ is traded between now and the trade deadline and RJ is extended to something somewhat team friendly because RJ genuinely loves playing in his hometown. A real hometown discount that works in the Raptors favour for a change....

I disagree. It depends on the return. IQ isn't a high value trade piece right now, he's playing below what he should be. We likely capitalize on RJ's value. It wasn't too long ago he was viewed as a toxic asset. He's a positive defender now, nails his threes, and applies rim pressure. The biggest difference maker on our team, he makes other teams pay for using their third best defender on him.

[mtcan]

his future with the team will probably depend alot on his salary demands but that's a question for next year.

I think the decision is clearer now than ever before...you keep either IQ or RJ and so far...and the way things are playing...the guy to keep is RJ.

I think IQ is traded between now and the trade deadline and RJ is extended to something somewhat team friendly because RJ genuinely loves playing in his hometown. A real hometown discount that works in the Raptors favour for a change....

I disagree. It depends on the return. IQ isn't a high value trade piece right now, he's playing below what he should be. We likely capitalize on RJ's value. It wasn't too long ago he was viewed as a toxic asset. He's a positive defender now, nails his threes, and applies rim pressure. The biggest difference maker on our team, he makes other teams pay for using their third best defender on him.

RJ clearly makes Darko's .5 offence roll. I think his fit with Scottie and BI is undeniable.

If there is a IQ trade that doesn't involve attaching picks to send away and upgrades the 5 or adds vet depth off the bench...you do it.

[Boogie!]

I think the decision is clearer now than ever before...you keep either IQ or RJ and so far...and the way things are playing...the guy to keep is RJ.

I think IQ is traded between now and the trade deadline and RJ is extended to something somewhat team friendly because RJ genuinely loves playing in his hometown. A real hometown discount that works in the Raptors favour for a change....

I disagree. It depends on the return. IQ isn't a high value trade piece right now, he's playing below what he should be. We likely capitalize on RJ's value. It wasn't too long ago he was viewed as a toxic asset. He's a positive defender now, nails his threes, and applies rim pressure. The biggest difference maker on our team, he makes other teams pay for using their third best defender on him.

RJ clearly makes Darko's .5 offence roll. I think his fit with Scottie and BI is undeniable.

If there is a IQ trade that doesn't involve attaching picks to send away and upgrades the 5 or adds vet depth off the bench...you do it.

The logic behind trading Rj makes no sense. It’s the same **** they did with Powell… capitalize on rjs value by trading him for what exactly? A lesser version of himself? Why are people so insistent on the concept of value, instead of realizing you should build a team with good players instead of trading them the minute they show “value.”

[YogurtProducer]

his future with the team will probably depend alot on his salary demands but that's a question for next year.

I think the decision is clearer now than ever before...you keep either IQ or RJ and so far...and the way things are playing...the guy to keep is RJ.

I think IQ is traded between now and the trade deadline and RJ is extended to something somewhat team friendly because RJ genuinely loves playing in his hometown. A real hometown discount that works in the Raptors favour for a change....

Hopefully with the way contracts seem to be getting dialed in a bit, we can retain RJ and it doesn't require a massive raise if one at all.

[YogurtProducer]

If there is a IQ trade that doesn't involve attaching picks to send away and upgrades the 5 or adds vet depth off the bench...you do it.

Any IQ trade needs to include a high volume 3 point shooting guard coming back.

Any trade that results in our PG rotation being Shead and Hepburn just is not realistic.

[YogurtProducer]

I disagree. It depends on the return. IQ isn't a high value trade piece right now, he's playing below what he should be. We likely capitalize on RJ's value. It wasn't too long ago he was viewed as a toxic asset. He's a positive defender now, nails his threes, and applies rim pressure. The biggest difference maker on our team, he makes other teams pay for using their third best defender on him.

RJ clearly makes Darko's .5 offence roll. I think his fit with Scottie and BI is undeniable.

If there is a IQ trade that doesn't involve attaching picks to send away and upgrades the 5 or adds vet depth off the bench...you do it.

The logic behind trading Rj makes no sense. It’s the same **** they did with Powell… capitalize on rjs value by trading him for what exactly? A lesser version of himself? Why are people so insistent on the concept of value, instead of realizing you should build a team with good players instead of trading them the minute they show “value.”

I dont think people understand RJ is 25 years old and not 30.

[bobbyp3588]

his future with the team will probably depend alot on his salary demands but that's a question for next year.

I think the decision is clearer now than ever before...you keep either IQ or RJ and so far...and the way things are playing...the guy to keep is RJ.

I think IQ is traded between now and the trade deadline and RJ is extended to something somewhat team friendly because RJ genuinely loves playing in his hometown. A real hometown discount that works in the Raptors favour for a change....

I disagree. It depends on the return. IQ isn't a high value trade piece right now, he's playing below what he should be. We likely capitalize on RJ's value. It wasn't too long ago he was viewed as a toxic asset. He's a positive defender now, nails his threes, and applies rim pressure. The biggest difference maker on our team, he makes other teams pay for using their third best defender on him.

So….we should trade him? Sounds like we should prioritize keeping him, no?

[bluerap23]

I disagree. It depends on the return. IQ isn't a high value trade piece right now, he's playing below what he should be. We likely capitalize on RJ's value. It wasn't too long ago he was viewed as a toxic asset. He's a positive defender now, nails his threes, and applies rim pressure. The biggest difference maker on our team, he makes other teams pay for using their third best defender on him.

RJ clearly makes Darko's .5 offence roll. I think his fit with Scottie and BI is undeniable.

If there is a IQ trade that doesn't involve attaching picks to send away and upgrades the 5 or adds vet depth off the bench...you do it.

The logic behind trading Rj makes no sense. It’s the same **** they did with Powell… capitalize on rjs value by trading him for what exactly? A lesser version of himself? Why are people so insistent on the concept of value, instead of realizing you should build a team with good players instead of trading them the minute they show “value.”

The Norm trade was done because he was an expiring UFA. In hindsight it was obviously a mistake. The RJ talk was really about fit. They thought they upgraded to BI and the two wouldn't fit together. They were wrong about that too. I'm pretty sure they see that now. The only way he gets traded at this point is to make numbers work on a star acquisition (Giannis for example). They won't trade him in some type of possible lateral move.

[ArthurVandelay]

I think the decision is clearer now than ever before...you keep either IQ or RJ and so far...and the way things are playing...the guy to keep is RJ.

I think IQ is traded between now and the trade deadline and RJ is extended to something somewhat team friendly because RJ genuinely loves playing in his hometown. A real hometown discount that works in the Raptors favour for a change....

I disagree. It depends on the return. IQ isn't a high value trade piece right now, he's playing below what he should be. We likely capitalize on RJ's value. It wasn't too long ago he was viewed as a toxic asset. He's a positive defender now, nails his threes, and applies rim pressure. The biggest difference maker on our team, he makes other teams pay for using their third best defender on him.

So….we should trade him? Sounds like we should prioritize keeping him, no?

Gotta keep RJ at this point. I was on the 6th man train, but I think I was wrong on that, at least for this version of Raptors team. He plays so well with BI and Scottie. Time to start putting some respect on his name.

[MEDIC]

I disagree. It depends on the return. IQ isn't a high value trade piece right now, he's playing below what he should be. We likely capitalize on RJ's value. It wasn't too long ago he was viewed as a toxic asset. He's a positive defender now, nails his threes, and applies rim pressure. The biggest difference maker on our team, he makes other teams pay for using their third best defender on him.

RJ clearly makes Darko's .5 offence roll. I think his fit with Scottie and BI is undeniable.

If there is a IQ trade that doesn't involve attaching picks to send away and upgrades the 5 or adds vet depth off the bench...you do it.

The logic behind trading Rj makes no sense. It’s the same **** they did with Powell… capitalize on rjs value by trading him for what exactly? A lesser version of himself? Why are people so insistent on the concept of value, instead of realizing you should build a team with good players instead of trading them the minute they show “value.”

I was thinking the exact same thing. He is top 3 on the team in terms of importance/ impact on winning. He fits the coaches system & plays the way the coach wants him to play. He's still getting better & hasn't even hit his peak/ prime years. If you are trying to build a playoff team, why trade a valuable player like that? Makes zero sense.

[LoveMyRaps]

He's breaking out. Crazy to think he's only 25.

20/5/4 on very good efficiency. 50/37/71 splits as well.

Not a guy you look to trade, but rather extend.

Barrett/Ingram/Barnes is a pretty good trio. Build around that!

[Basketball_Jones]

I disagree. It depends on the return. IQ isn't a high value trade piece right now, he's playing below what he should be. We likely capitalize on RJ's value. It wasn't too long ago he was viewed as a toxic asset. He's a positive defender now, nails his threes, and applies rim pressure. The biggest difference maker on our team, he makes other teams pay for using their third best defender on him.

RJ clearly makes Darko's .5 offence roll. I think his fit with Scottie and BI is undeniable.

If there is a IQ trade that doesn't involve attaching picks to send away and upgrades the 5 or adds vet depth off the bench...you do it.

The logic behind trading Rj makes no sense. It’s the same **** they did with Powell… capitalize on rjs value by trading him for what exactly? A lesser version of himself? Why are people so insistent on the concept of value, instead of realizing you should build a team with good players instead of trading them the minute they show “value.”

Made a big mistake trading away Powell because we didn’t want to pay him. I hope they don’t do that with RJ. I’m starting to see it now.

[Vorticity]

How about the 3.6 AST and almost a steal a game he averages this season? AST and scoring went down this year a bit (Ingram effect)
he does more then just be an offensive force.

[mtcan]

He's breaking out. Crazy to think he's only 25.

20/5/4 on very good efficiency. 50/37/71 splits as well.

Not a guy you look to trade, but rather extend.

Barrett/Ingram/Barnes is a pretty good trio. Build around that!

People keep pining for a top 5 pick in the draft. Well...we have 3 former top 5 picks as the 3 top performing players currently and they're either entering their prime or right in it...and are performing exactly as top 5 picks should.

Been an RJ fan since he has arrived in Toronto. If anyone is still thinking of him as he was in NY...pull up a Raptors game and actually watch. He plays differently in Toronto vs NY and he's contributing to winning.