3 Raptors who earned untouchable status this season

RJ Barrett

Another of the Raptors' new additions this season, RJ Barrett has one of the most unique stories of any player on Toronto's roster. After being picked third overall in the 2019 draft, Barrett was projected to become a full-fledged star for the Knicks.

It is easy to forget, but RJ was actually the top prospect in his class ahead of Zion Williamson. His quick, shifty movements and mastery on the offensive side of the ball led many scouts to covet him early on. When he and Zion paired up to play in college together at Duke, it was nothing short of a dream pairing.

But after having huge expectations placed on him playing in a city like New York, RJ struggled to live up to what was envisioned of him. After four and a half seasons with the Knicks, he finally returned to his home town and country in Toronto. So far, he has seen a massive turnaround in his level of play since his change of scenery took place.

Barrett has been averaging a career-high 20.8 points per game and shooting an astounding 55% from the floor since becoming a Raptor, more than 10 percentage points higher than he shot in any season as a Knick. He has become an impact player in a very short period of time, turning his contract into a bargain in the process.

As a player finally living up to his draft position and as a hometown kid, the Raptors have to feel RJ will be in their future for a very long time.