A while back, Quinn Everts of Raptors Rapture pointed out in a piece that Toronto's roster doesn't have a clear number one option. Some people see that as a potential problem, but Everts argues it could actually be Toronto’s silver lining. After all, he notes, no other team in the East can match that kind of flexibility — a potential "blessing in disguise" as he put it.
Though, I’m not sure if the Raptors have felt very blessed lately, to say the least. They’re currently on a four-game losing streak and have been absolutely blown out by their opponents, especially after starting the season so strong with a dominant win over Atlanta.
While the team itself has looked absolutely terrible, the same can't be said for Canadian star wing RJ Barrett. He’s taken this new-look team, with Brandon Ingram now part of the mix, in stride. Barrett is still able to produce effectively on offense and has been putting up consistent stats across the board in the five-game sample so far. At the time of writing, he's averaging 19.2 points on 57.6% shooting from the field, 36.4% from three, along with 4.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.4 steals.
RJ Barrett has shined so far, despite the Raptors' overall rough run
When thinking about whom the Raptors' best player is, it’s probably a split between Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes, sort of like a 1A and 1B situation. But it’s important to recognize that the "Maple Mamba" is still right there in the mix, playing at a high level. Many people were writing him off as a weak link or even a potential trade piece, but I’ve said over and over during the offseason that those critics might forget Barrett is only 25 years old and still improving. And I think with that, it definitely wouldn't be an insanely hot take to suggest that RJ Barrett is the Raptors' best player.
There is definitely room for growth on the defensive end, but then again, the same can be said for Toronto’s new crown jewel Brandon Ingram. I’d also argue that Immanuel Quickley might have taken the title of Raptors’ public enemy number one away from Barrett, especially after the rough slump he finds himself in to begin the 2025-26 season. For sure, I see why Barrett's offensive punch could be seen as redundant. In a critical period where the Raptors need to explore all options to improve their defense before absolute disaster strikes, will RJ Barrett still be looked at as the most disposable asset to bolster that end of the floor?
It might still be too early to say, but at the very least, the appreciation for RJ Barrett should keep growing. He continues to flourish individually, even as the Raptors team overall seems a bit lackadaisical and out of sync.