RJ Barrett, born on June 16, 2000, in Toronto, Ontario, is a Canadian professional basketball player who plays as a small forward and shooting guard. He began his collegiate career at Duke University before being selected by the New York Knicks as the third overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. In December 2023, Barrett was traded to the Toronto Raptors, his hometown team.
Professional Career:
- New York Knicks (2019–2023): Barrett made an immediate impact in his rookie season, averaging 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. He showed significant improvement in his second year, increasing his scoring to 17.6 points per game and demonstrating notable progress in his shooting efficiency. In February 2022, he scored a career-high 46 points in a game against the Miami Heat.
- Toronto Raptors (2023–Present): After joining the Raptors in December 2023, Barrett quickly adapted to his new role. In his debut game on January 1, 2024, he contributed 19 points and nine rebounds in a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. He achieved a season-high 37 points in a win against the Golden State Warriors on January 7, 2024. On November 16, 2024, Barrett recorded his first career triple-double, posting 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 assists in an overtime loss to the Boston Celtics.
International Play:
Barrett has been an integral part of Canada’s national basketball team. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2017 FIBA U19 World Championship, leading all players with an average of 21.6 points per game. In the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Barrett averaged 16.8 points per game, contributing to Canada’s bronze medal finish.
Personal Life:
RJ Barrett is the son of Rowan Barrett, a former professional basketball player who represented Canada internationally, and Kesha Barrett, who competed in track and field at St. John’s University. Tragically, RJ’s younger brother, Nathan Barrett, passed away in March 2024. Nathan had been a promising basketball player at Montverde Academy in Florida.
Recent Highlights:
Barrett’s performance during the early part of the 2024–2025 NBA season was noteworthy. He averaged 28.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game over the first four games, shooting 49% from the field. This impressive start underscored his development and increased role within the Raptors’ offense.
For the latest updates on RJ Barrett’s career and contributions to the Toronto Raptors, fans can follow the team’s official channels and sports news outlets.