RJ Barrett is leading the Toronto Raptors to surprising success, averaging over 20 points per game as part of a unique Big 3 with Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram. On December 30, 2023, Barrett was traded away from the New York Knicks.
What happened?
The trade was seen as a disappointment for Barrett, who was expected to be a key player for the Knicks. However, he has found new life with the Raptors, who are currently the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 4-4 record.
The Raptors' offense is unique in that it features three primary scorers who are not playmakers. Barrett, Barnes, and Ingram are all big, scoring-focused wings who are averaging over 20 points per game.
Why it matters for RJ Barrett
This combination has not bruised anyone's ego, and the team is winning actual games. The Raptors are one of only two teams in the NBA with three players averaging over 20 points per game, along with the Denver Nuggets.
The team's starting and backup point guards, Immanuel Quickley and Jamal Shead, are leading the team in assists. Shead is putting up an impressive average of 5.4 assists per game in just over 17 minutes of playtime per contest.
What comes next?
The Raptors' early success might be the weirdest basketball anomaly east of the Mississippi River. As of this analysis, they are on track to make a push for the playoffs, and Barrett is a key part of their offense.
The team's ability to make three primary scorers co-exist is a testament to their unique chemistry. The Raptors are leading the league in assists per game as a team, despite not having a traditional playmaker on their roster.
Barrett's efficiency has improved significantly since joining the Raptors. He is averaging over 20 points per game on a true-shooting percentage that is no longer six points below league average.
The Raptors' Big 3 is a rare combination that is working surprisingly well. They are one of the highest-scoring offenses in the league, and Barrett is a key part of their success.
As the season continues, it will be interesting to see if the Raptors can sustain their early success. With Barrett leading the charge, they have a good chance of making a deep playoff run.