What to expect from RJ Barrett this season in Toronto? Probably around twenty points per game, rebounds and perhaps a fluctuating address, as since his debut in the Great League.
But at 24 years old, the former Knicks must above all establish himself as an executive in Toronto. Especially in defense.
“RJ's defensive effort and emphasis on defense this year needs to increase, due to the needs of our team and our desire to improve our defense”, explains Darko Rajakovichis trainer. “He understands what it takes to win. And for me, that's very important. Any team in this league, any coach in this league… Everyone wants players who weigh in on both ends of the field. He understands the challenges for our team. We talk a lot. I remind him of this in many situations to tell him that he needs to be better. He reacts very well. It's great to see him celebrate a save or a good defensive action, to see him full of energy. That's what wins. We need him to fall in love with defense, to become as good a player (on defense) as he is offensively. »
Having fallen to 26th place in defensive efficiency last season, the Raptors know very well that they need to progress in the area if they want to build something.
“If you want to win, it starts on defense” confesses the Canadian. “And I worked on that, especially during the summer. It was huge for me to get defensive reps, and now I continue to work on it. Every day, whether during training, exercises or matches, you have to keep this defensive mindset and continue on this path. And then, if I defend, I can also push others to defend. »
And thus bring everyone in his wake, in his city…
“This is my house. Every day, it brings me an additional desire, an additional passion. I am myself, I wake up and I fight every day. So playing for the Raptors is perfect for me. »
| RJ Barrett | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2019-20 | NYK | 56 | 30 | 40.2 | 32.0 | 61.4 | 0.9 | 4.1 | 5.0 | 2.6 | 2.2 | 1.0 | 2.2 | 0.3 | 14.3 |
| 2020-21 | NYK | 72 | 35 | 44.1 | 40.1 | 74.6 | 0.9 | 4.8 | 5.8 | 3.0 | 2.6 | 0.7 | 1.9 | 0.3 | 17.6 |
| 2021-22 | NYK | 70 | 35 | 40.8 | 34.2 | 71.4 | 0.9 | 4.9 | 5.8 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 0.6 | 2.2 | 0.2 | 20.0 |
| 2022-23 | NYK | 73 | 34 | 43.4 | 31.0 | 74.0 | 0.8 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 2.8 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 2.3 | 0.2 | 19.6 |
| 2023-24 * | All Teams | 58 | 32 | 49.5 | 36.0 | 71.5 | 0.9 | 4.5 | 5.4 | 3.3 | 2.2 | 0.5 | 2.2 | 0.4 | 20.2 |
| 2023-24 * | TOR | 32 | 34 | 55.3 | 39.2 | 62.9 | 1.1 | 5.3 | 6.4 | 4.1 | 2.6 | 0.6 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 21.8 |
| 2023-24 * | NYK | 26 | 30 | 42.3 | 33.1 | 83.1 | 0.7 | 3.5 | 4.3 | 2.4 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 1.8 | 0.4 | 18.2 |
| Total | 329 | 33 | 43.5 | 34.6 | 71.0 | 0.9 | 4.5 | 5.4 | 2.9 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 2.1 | 0.3 | 18.5 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
