Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett is set to have himself a career year.
Last season featured a stunning trade from the New York Knicks but he got an opportunity to return home to Canada. Which seemed to bring out a new version of Barrett and resulted in his best basketball.
In 32 games, the 6’6″ forward averaged a career-high 21.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists on 55.3 percent shooting from the field and 39.2 percent shooting from deep.
A change of scenery seemed to make a world of a difference for Barrett. During his time with the Knicks, he had inconsistent play and struggled to find his way.
But, brighter days are ahead and hopefully, Barrett can build off those 32 games. While his offensive production stood out, head coach Darko Rajakovic wants Barrett to take a leap defensively.
“I think RJ’s defensive effort and importance on defense this year has to rise just because of the needs of our team and our desire to improve our defense,” Rajakovic told reporters in Montreal.
Barrett has the makings of a 3-and-D due to his size and athleticism. Rajakovic needs his forward to understand what it takes to win along with making him appreciate playing quality defense.
“I think he understands what it takes to win. For me that’s very important….everybody wants two-way players…and he understands the stakes for us in our team…We need him to fall in love with defense, be as good of a player as he is offensively,” Rajakovic said.
Coaches always possess desires for their players and what areas they need to improve in. However, it is up to the player to buy into those expectations and Barrett is willing to do so.
“You want to win, it starts with defense. I’ve been practicing. I’ve been working on it, especially during the summertime….now just keep working on it,” Barrett said.
Given how Toronto views Barrett as a valuable piece of their core, he needs to continue to take leaps as a young player. Being able to turn into a 3-and-D wing next to Scottie Barnes could do wonders for the Raptors this season.
Canada’s head coach Jordi Fernandez praises RJ Barrett
Darko Rajakovic is not the only one who thinks highly of RJ Barrett, as Team Canada’s head coach Jordi Fernandez praised the Raptors forward’s play at the Paris Olympics.
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