RJ Barrett is a scorer-playmaker hybrid that fans should be excited about

If you have a solid understanding of basketball, you know that the game is defined by runs and often unfolds in two distinct halves. Just because your team excels in the first half doesn’t guarantee that the opposing team won’t find a way to regroup and make it competitive. This scenario played out perfectly in the matchup between the Toronto Raptors and the Los Angeles Lakers on November 1st.

The Lakers were effortlessly finding their rhythm in the paint, with both guards and bigs scoring at will. Meanwhile, the Raptors struggled with poor transition defense and overall lackluster defensive performance. As a result, Darko Rajakovic was compelled to call three timeouts in the first quarter, and the Raptors were outscored 43-19 to start the game.

As the second half commenced, the Toronto Raptors found their rhythm, largely thanks to RJ Barrett, who is rapidly emerging as a superstar. With his co-stars Immanuel Quickley and Scottie Barnes sidelined due to injury, the offensive responsibility fell squarely on Barrett's shoulders. He rose to the occasion, showcasing his scoring abilities as the game progressed.

Barrett recorded an impressive 33 points, shooting a strong 63% from the field and connecting on 3 of 5 attempts from beyond the arc. Fans have recognized that Barrett is not only a willing offensive threat; his overall performance speaks for itself. In addition to scoring, he recorded five rebounds and an impressive 12 assists, setting a new career high for the "Maple Mamba" in that category.

Barrett made a significant leap in his playmaking ability

It’s astonishing to think that this same player was once labeled a "toxic asset" and "bland player" not too long ago. While the team ultimately did not come out on top, their competitiveness throughout the game was largely due to Barrett's composure and skillful execution. Additionally, rising star Gradey Dick deserves significant credit; he is not just a sharpshooter from beyond the arc but has also demonstrated his versatility on offense, scoring 31 points against the Lakers.

Barrett demonstrated his ability to lead an offense while remaining proactive in finding the open man at the right moments. These qualities, combined with his recent performance, strongly suggest the potential for Barrett's game to fully blossom, even with high-usage teammates like Quickley and Barnes eventually return to the lineup. He showcased this ability by collaborating effectively with Gradey Dick, as the two formed a dynamic duo that flourished through a balanced approach, avoiding haste and selfishness in their gameplay.

Achieving double-digit assists on a nightly basis is no easy feat, especially for a guard/forward. However, Raptors fans can take comfort in knowing that their athletic wing has impressive playmaking skills. With a versatile player like Scottie Barnes already on the team, watching RJ Barrett display his strengths is truly the icing on the cake. Who knows—perhaps we're witnessing the emergence of RJ Barrett as the greatest Canadian player in Raptors history.