Feb 8, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) dribbles the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
Feb 8, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) dribbles the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
RJ Barrett has made a name for himself as a vital rotation player for the Toronto Raptors over the last few years. However, the foundation for Barrett’s emergence as a star-caliber player was laid in New York, where he played out the first few years of his career with the Knicks.
Although RJ Barrett’s tenure with the Knicks was largely unfruitful, with the team struggling to make it out of the East, New York holds a special place in his heart. Still, with the franchise securing the title without him, the former Knicks guard can’t help but feel some bitterness.
RJ Barrett opened up about his feelings regarding the Knicks’ title run during an interview with CBC Sports. When responding to a question about New York’s playoff success without him, Barrett shared:
“At first, definitely felt a little salty in terms of how we lost, the Raptors lost in the first round, so that hurt. But if anybody else were to win it, I’m happy they won it. I still have friends over there. I’ve called and checked on the guys and said, ‘Congrats.'”
“One of the guys from the team is actually on the Raptors now, so things are cool. The mayor gave myself and Quick a shout-out, so we’ll always have ties there. I’m very happy for them but hoping to bring some of that success over here.”
Like former Knicks forward Julius Randle, Barrett clarified that his bitterness was not fueled by the Knicks’ success. Having spent considerable time in New York growing with the team’s core, the guard seemed quite pleased to see his former teammates lift the trophy. Still, with title aspirations of his own, the 26-year-old is clearly hoping to recreate New York’s championship glory in Toronto.
RJ Barrett’s Message To The Raptors’ Fans
Although the Toronto Raptors crashed out of this year’s playoffs in the first round, Toronto displayed immense promise. With a young core driving the team forward, the Raptors are certainly a team to keep an eye on. And now, with Kawhi Leonard’s return after seven years, the fan base has even more reason to be excited.
On that note, RJ Barrett shared a message with the Raptors’ fan base, inspiring some optimism in the team’s potential entering the 2026-27 season. He stated:
“Raptors fans, I know that we’re all excited from what we did last season and what we can do this year. It’s going to be an everyday grind! It’s not going to be easy, but you can expect for us to play our hardest.”
“I know we just added Kawhi to the mix, so you can expect some good basketball from us this season,” he added. “But at the end of the day, we’re going to need you guys. We’re going to need your support. Being able to have you guys there cheering and stuff, it REALLY is detrimental to the other team, and it gives us such a boost. We need you guys, for sure.”
The Raptors ended the 2025-26 season with a 46-36 record, securing fifth place in the East. While the duo of Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram shone brightest, RJ Barrett played a crucial role, posting 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game on 49.1% shooting from the field.
Stepping into the new season, one could say that there will be greater expectations from RJ Barrett. While Kawhi Leonard and Barnes will undoubtedly be vital to the team’s success, Barrett’s role as a connecting piece cannot be overlooked.