The Paris Olympics have treated Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett well.
For Barrett this upcoming NBA season is an important one as he looks to take a leap. Which seems to be the case after playing his best basketball of his career when he arrived in Toronto.
With a young core revolving around Barrett, Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley, the Raptors have an exciting trio.
Luckily for Barrett, he gets to get some extra reps by playing for Team Canada this summer in Paris. So far, he looks ready for next season with his impressive scoring outputs.
Recently, Barrett put up 24 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in Canada’s win over Australia. Canada’s head coach Jordi Fernandez praised Barrett’s Olympic play, via Fiba.com:
“He’s that guy. Sometimes, I don’t call plays for him and he just scores. That’s what he does. Probably, I should be better and call more plays for him, but he finds a way.”
For a team that features dynamic scoring guards in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray, this is an impressive feat. If Barrett is able to continue this level of play, it could result in a medal game for Canada.
Before the Olympics officially kicked off, Canada’s group was labeled as the ‘Group of Death.’ To be 2-0 up to this point is a testament to how well-rounded this squad is.
Hopefully, when reflecting on the entirety of this Olympic run, Barrett can build off it and use it as a jumping point for the rest of his career.
After some up and down play during his time with the New York Knicks, it is great to see things beginning to click for the Raptors forward.
Immanuel Quickley says RJ Barrett was excited about trade to Toronto
The Knicks were beginning to become a playoff team and felt they needed to solidify their chances.
That resulted in trading for O.G. Anunoby, ending Barrett’s tenure in New York, but Immanuel Quickley said Barrett was excited about returning home to Canada.
Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
