RJ Barrett silencing critics as Raptors find him the role he's always needed

"After beating the Atlanta Hawks in NBA Cup action on Friday night, the Toronto Raptors are above .500 for the first time since opening night, moving to 5-4 after winning their fourth straight game. Once again, it was a collective effort (seven players in double figures) and once again, RJ Barrett was part of that collective. Barrett scored 19 points on Friday, but his second-half effort may have been his best half of the year."

"He's not expected to be a 25-point per game scorer, or make plays consistently, or do any of the things that he was sometimes tasked with in New York. Funny enough, he has become a much better overall player since he was in NY, so now he's more well-equipped to do those things if needed! Instead, Barrett is expected to be one of three 20-ish point scorers on the Raptors,"

"It's a pretty great setup, in my opinion! Barrett's difference in efficiency when he was in New York versus his time in Toronto is staggering. His true shooting is over 6 points higher and his impact numbers are better across the board. He's a better player in every facet now than he was with the Knicks. In New York, RJ Barrett had the reputation of an inefficient, inconsistent scorer."

The Toronto Raptors moved above .500 (5-4) after a fourth straight win, powered by a balanced offense with seven players scoring in double figures. RJ Barrett scored 19 points and produced a 17-point second half, shooting 7-for-9 to salvage a poor first half. Barrett has reached 20-plus points in six of nine games, and the Raptors hold a 4-2 record when he reaches 20 (5-2 when he scores at least 19). Coaching staff has settled Barrett into a defined 20-point, occasional play-creating role, which has coincided with marked efficiency gains since his New York tenure.

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