2 Raptors who are underperforming, 2 exceeding expectations at the All-Star break

Exceeding expectations: RJ Barrett

Coming to the Raptors from the Knicks in the OG Anunoby trade, RJ Barrett finally got a change of scenery for the first time in his career. Drafted by the Knicks in 2019, he spent the first four and a half seasons of his time in the NBA in the Big Apple. Now, he receives a warm welcome as he comes to his hometown of Toronto.

So far, many Raptors fans have been overjoyed to have RJ on the team. Not just because he is a hometown kid, but also because his production has been a pleasant surprise given his mostly lackluster tenure in New York.

Since he landed in Toronto, Barrett has seen his scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and blocks averages all go up. In addition, his overall shooting percentage and three-point shooting percentage have both increased as well. In 19 games with his new team, Barrett has looked much more like the player he was envisioned to be when he was drafted third overall.

RJ has had the luxury of becoming a starter since the moment he landed back in his hometown, and so far, it has paid huge dividends. Perhaps coming back to Toronto was just what he needed to reinvigorate his career.