RJ Barrett took on his former team the New York Knicks on Dec. 23.
Although the Raptors got blown out by the Knicks, Barrett had a nice outing scoring 23 point to go along with 6 rebounds and 6 assists.
Barrett has seen a drastic improvement in his game since being traded to Toronto.
In New York, the Knicks tried to use Barrett as a 3-and-D type of player. Whereas in Toronto, Barrett has been able to showcase his full offensive arsenal. He’s been effective shooting the ball, getting downhill and finishing inside. He’s even showcased more of his playmaking ability.
Barrett’s former coach Tom Thibodeau spoke about him before the Raptors took on the Knicks and he had nothing but high praise for the 24-year-old, via Ben Oppenheimer:
“Number one, he’s a terrific person. It doesn’t surprise me, the way he’s worked his entire career, if you followed his progress from Duke to the pros…each year he’s gotten a lot better, he’s excelled in Toronto, and he’s doing a number of things really well. He continues to get better and better, and that hasn’t surprised me at all. The playmaking, the shooting the ball, just playing an all around game, he’s done a really good job for them (Toronto).”
Knicks Head Coach Tom Thibodeau on Raptors G/F and former Knick RJ Barrett:
“Number one, he’s a terrific person. It doesn’t surprise me, the way he’s worked his entire career, if you followed his progress from Duke to the pros…each year he’s gotten a lot better, he’s excelled… pic.twitter.com/97nOzwpUvE
— Ben Oppenheimer (@BenOpp92801) December 23, 2024
The Knicks-Raptors trade has benefitted both teams tremendously to this point. Anunoby is flourishing with the Knicks, while Barrett and Immanuel Quickley have gotten increased roles with the Raptors. Unfortunately, Quickley has been sidelined for the majority of the season, but Barrett has been thriving. He’s putting up career numbers across the board in points (23.5), rebounds (6.7) and assists (6.1).
In a rocky season for the Raptors, Barrett has been a big bright spot for the team.
Sports Illustrated proposes Raptors-Knicks trade
The Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks are no strangers when it comes to making deals.
Recently, Jed Katz of Sports Illustrated proposed an interesting trade between both sides.
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!
