Sometimes, NBA players just need a change of scenery to blossom and be at their best.
They need to leave big markets, play for a different coach, with different teammates, or in a different system, or maybe they just need more time to get things together.
Notably, that might be the case with R.J. Barrett.
Once touted to be a star, the Canadian guard/forward was often unimpressive with the New York Knicks, having the occasional big game but being pretty average most of the time.
He’s turned the page since heading back to his country, playing a big role with the Toronto Raptors.
That trend continued this season, and he’s taking over as their primary scorer.
As shown by the NBA on X, he’s now logged three consecutive 30+ games for the Raptors.
RJ Barrett records his 3rd straight game with 30+ PTS in the @Raptors win!
🇨🇦 31 PTS
🇨🇦 9 REB
🇨🇦 6 AST
🇨🇦 3 3PM pic.twitter.com/FEOnmAgUCO— NBA (@NBA) November 3, 2024
Granted, the team has also needed him to be more aggressive and take more shots now that Immanuel Quickley and Scottie Barnes are struggling with injuries.
Then again, he’s looked way more comfortable, assertive, and efficient now that he’s no longer in the Big Apple.
Barrett was once considered to be one of the best prospects in the game.
It took him a while, but he might finally start to show that expertise.
He’s currently averaging a whopping 28.8 points per game to go along with 5.8 rebounds and 7.2 assists on 49.4% from the floor and 46.2% from three-point range.
He’s been in the league for a while, but he’s just 24 years old, and he should be a strong candidate to win Most Improved Player and become an All-Star this season.
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