Final week, Toronto Raptors ahead RJ Barrett celebrated an anniversary: one 12 months since switching franchises that introduced him again to his hometown.
Spending the primary 4 and a half years of his NBA profession with the New York Knicks earlier than Toronto acquired Barrett and Immanuel Quickley as a part of a five-player contractBarrett debuted with the Raptors on January 1, 2024.
Twelve months later, Barrett, a Toronto native, is not any much less appreciative of his transfer.
“It’s such a blessing to be right here. It means much more to me to put on this jersey daily, in addition to being again residence. I’ve been residing in the USA for 9 to 10 years, and I’m again in Canada now, residing in my hometown,” Barrett stated in an interview with Every day Hive. “It’s been unimaginable.”
Barrett, who has been the Raptors’ main scorer for the reason that commerce, has averaged 22.4 factors, 6.5 rebounds and 5 assists in 62 video games since arriving in Toronto.
The third total draft pick of Duke who performed at Montverde Academy in Florida – the identical prep college that produced his Toronto teammate Scottie Barnes – Barrett has lengthy been projected for NBA stardom.
“Once I was little. I have never been downtown that a lot, and now I am there daily. I am simply studying various things. However I nonetheless go to all my previous spots that I used to go to,” Barrett stated.
A particular reminiscence that stood out to Barrett earlier than his NBA profession was the journey Duke took to the town through the preseason earlier than his lone school 12 months, the place they confronted the Ryerson Rams in Mississauga.
“We had been in a position to carry out them in entrance of all my household and buddies. It was a fantastic reminiscence,” Barrett stated of a workforce that included future No. 1 total choose Zion Williamson. “I’ll all the time have these central recollections.”
How is Barrett conserving busy through the Raptors season?
It is a connection to his youth that led to Barrett’s newest partnership, as he joined PlayStation’s Playmaker program alongside different athletes together with Aaliyah Edwards of the Washington Mystics, Sarah Nurse of the Toronto Scepters and William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“I have been enjoying a PlayStation since – I by no means keep in mind – I believe I used to be 9, my dad and mom gave me a PlayStation 2 for my birthday,” Barrett added. “I take it with me on each street journey. I discover little moments within the day to verify I play.
Barrett appointed Name of Obligation And NBA 2K as his two important video games, though he additionally dabbles in Mortal Fight franchise.
However whereas some folks may assume he’ll solely play with the Raptors in video video games, he says he is open to enjoying with nearly anybody, even when he often performs as himself.
“Normally I simply play with my buddies, and we make random groups, or typically we go to the park and stuff like that,” he stated.
