RJ Barrett, not Scottie Barnes, is the rising star the Raptors need to build around

In their inaugural outing of the 2024 preseason, the Toronto Raptors delivered a commanding 125-98 victory over the Washington Wizards. Despite the absence of several key players, including recent first-round draft pick Ja'Kobe Walter and vital young cornerstones Immanuel Quickley and Scottie Barnes, those who took the court for this matchup against the Wizards showcased their considerable talent.

Gradey Dick and Jamal Shead emerged as representatives of the promising new generation of Toronto Raptors, demonstrating their effectiveness across various facets of the game. However, the standout player of the night was undoubtedly Canadian sensation RJ Barrett, who, despite limited minutes due to an unfortunate injury, contributed significantly with 17 points, two rebounds, and two assists.

In the absence of his co-stars Quickley and Barnes, Barrett embraced the role of primary scorer with commendable poise, demonstrating both resilience and a propensity to aggressively attack the basket while also showcasing his impressive three-point shooting skills. Although it was disappointing to see his standout performance come to an anticlimactic conclusion, the silver lining is that he appears to have sustained only a minor shoulder contusion, one that will keep him out for a few weeks but shouldn't limit him once he returns.

Nonetheless, Barrett's display in this preseason game reaffirmed that he is poised to seamlessly continue from where he left off at the end of last season and during his exceptional contributions to Team Canada at the 2024 Paris Games.

RJ Barrett is becoming a star

In 32 appearances for the Raptors last season, following his trade from New York, Barrett enjoyed the most successful statistical campaign of his career, averaging 21.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. During his time with the New York Knicks, he was often viewed as a cornerstone of the franchise's future; however, as the team evolved into a competitive playoff contender, the scope for his growth diminished. With heightened expectations placed upon him to contribute significantly to the team's success, his performance came under intense scrutiny.

Some commentators even characterized his contract as a “toxic asset” when he was traded to Toronto. Nevertheless, Barrett has effectively countered the doubts surrounding his abilities by showcasing his versatility and maturity as a player in Toronto. He has demonstrated remarkable hustle and an enhanced ability to distribute the ball and find open teammates. No longer confined to a 3-and-D role, as was anticipated during his tenure with the Knicks, the 24-year-old possesses all the potential to become the Raptors' primary star of the future.

While it remains reasonable to view Scottie Barnes as the franchise cornerstone for the team moving forward, it is also plausible that RJ Barrett could emerge as a formidable second option or even outperform his younger counterpart. This scenario adds an extra layer of motivation for Barrett, who is eager to demonstrate that he possesses the star potential that made him a highly sought-after draft prospect in 2019. Many have overlooked the fact that, had Zion Williamson not captured the spotlight in the 2019 class, Barrett could very well have been regarded as the consensus top player in that draft pool.

As Barrett looks to the future, he has much to demonstrate to his critics. There exists a legitimate possibility that, with diligent effort, the Maple Mamba may exhibit enough growth in his overall game to merit consideration for the Most Improved Player award. Night after night, Barrett has proven himself to be a fierce competitor, and this trait could very well be the defining factor that elevates him into the Raptors’ limelight as the team's standout player.

This is not a comment on Scottie Barnes’ immense potential or belief in his superstar status; rather, it raises the question of whether attention has been misdirected all along. While Barnes is undoubtedly a two-way dynamo with exceptional talent, it is conceivable that his defensive prowess could serve as the perfect complement to Barrett’s offensive skill set.

Raptors fans must exercise patience as they await the full season's development of this promising new generation of talent, which will reveal who emerges as the team's true leader. Whether RJ Barrett or Scottie Barnes solidifies their role as the franchise cornerstone, it is evident that Toronto is well-positioned for the future, whether under the guidance of one star or through a powerful duo.