Ranking all 7 Raptors shooting guards from "prolific" to "disaster"

No. 1: RJ Barrett

RJ Barrett is in the midst of the best stretch of his career, from a dominant run upon joining the Raptors to a strong showing for Team Canada at the Paris Olympics. The question that is likely dogging the Raptors is whether this is a hot streak or part of a leveling up to a new class of player.

Barrett was the No. 1 player in his high school recruiting class and had an extremely strong year at Duke playing alongside Zion Williamson. In 4.5 seasons with the New York Knicks, however, he could never put everything together. One season his shot would fall but his drive game struggled; the next the defense would lock in but the shot went cold. He couldn't realize the promise of his draft pedigree.

If that's changing, Barrett is suddenly not simply a supplemental part of this team's starting lineup, he's a part of their core. A Barrett who is confident on the ball, a capable shooter, a relentless rebounder and a locked-in defender is incredibly valuable. He is a bit undersized at 6'6" for playing small forward in every matchup, but his strength and 6'10" wingspan help him survive out of position.

If Barrett's last 8 months were just a hot streak, however, and he falls back to earth, his contract becomes more of a burden to the Raptors' books moving forward and the possibility of a trade opens up. Getting a small forward with more size and pure shooting ability could fit the roster better. That's not the outcome anyone wants for the Toronto native, but it's a possibility.

For now, Barrett will start at small forward and get a chance to prove that his dominant run of play to start 2024 was not a mirage. He is clearly the best shooting guard on the team no matter what position he is playing, and he'll get to prove it this year.