Rise to Success: Career Highlights of RJ Barrett

Discover the career path of RJ Barrett, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

RJ Barrett is a Canadian professional basketball player currently playing for the Toronto Raptors in the NBA. Drafted third overall by the New York Knicks in 2019, Barrett played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils for one year before entering the NBA. He is known for his scoring ability and athleticism.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

August 3, 2014: Provincial Tournament Performance

On August 3, 2014, RJ Barrett scored 37 points and grabbed seven rebounds in a 93–53 win over Quebec at an under-15 provincial tournament.

October 9, 2014: Labelled as "Special"

On October 9, 2014, after a 27-point effort for St. Marcellinus against Bill Crothers Secondary School, RJ Barrett was labeled "special" by Canadian recruiting website North Pole Hoops, despite only being in his first year.

February 2015: Guy Vetrie Memorial Tournament MVP

In February 2015, RJ Barrett was named MVP of the Guy Vetrie Memorial tournament after scoring 41 points and making the game-winner for REDA in a 74–72 win over BTB Academy.

September 2015: Transfer to Montverde Academy

In September 2015, RJ Barrett transferred to Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida, to elevate his basketball career.

April 15, 2016: Jordan Brand Classic International Game MVP

On April 15, 2016, RJ Barrett tallied 22 points and eight rebounds at the 2016 Jordan Brand Classic International Game, earning game MVP honors.

January 16, 2017: Spalding Hoophall Classic Win

On January 16, 2017, RJ Barrett recorded 21 points in a 73–67 win over Bishop Montgomery High School, helping his team win the Spalding Hoophall Classic.

July 31, 2017: Reclassification to 2018 Class

On July 31, 2017, RJ Barrett reclassified to the 2018 class, believing he was ready to move up and go to college a year earlier.

August 16, 2017: Narrowed Down School Choices

On August 16, 2017, RJ Barrett narrowed down his school choices to five: Duke, Arizona, Oregon, Kentucky, and Michigan.

November 10, 2017: Commitment to Duke

On November 10, 2017, RJ Barrett announced that he would be attending Duke for the 2018–2019 season.

November 28, 2017: Season Opener Performance

On November 28, 2017, RJ Barrett led Montverde with 29 points in a 97–55 win over The Rock School in his season opener.

2017: FIBA U-19 World Cup MVP

In 2017, Barrett was named MVP at the FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup after leading the Canadian national under-19 team to a gold medal.

2017: Geico National Championship

In the 2017-18 season, RJ Barrett led the undefeated Montverde team to the Geico National boys’ basketball championship, recording 25 points and 15 rebounds in the championship game.

January 11, 2018: Nationally Televised Game

On January 11, 2018, RJ Barrett scored 24 points in a nationally televised match-up with Orlando Christian Prep.

June 2018: Debut on Canada's Senior Men's National Team

In June 2018, RJ Barrett made his debut on Canada's senior men's national team, contributing 16 points in a 97–62 victory over China.

December 3, 2018: ACC Rookie of the Week

On December 3, 2018, RJ Barrett was named Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) rookie of the week.

December 10, 2018: ACC Player and Freshman of the Week

On December 10, 2018, RJ Barrett earned ACC player and freshman of the week honors for the second time.

2018: Future at Duke

In 2018, RJ Barrett planned to attend Duke for the 2018–2019 season.

2018: Nike Hoop Summit MVP

In 2018, RJ Barrett scored a game-high 20 points, along with nine rebounds, six assists, and five steals, at the Nike Hoop Summit and was named MVP.

2018: High School Accolades

In 2018, RJ Barrett, playing as a shooting guard, was the consensus top recruit in his class, earning Naismith Prep Player of the Year and Gatorade National Player of the Year accolades in his final high school season. He was the first player since LeBron James to sweep all major awards in high school and win the national championship.

January 28, 2019: Third ACC Freshman of the Week Honor

On January 28, 2019, RJ Barrett earned his third ACC freshman of the week honor.

February 25, 2019: Fourth Consecutive ACC Freshman of the Week

On February 25, 2019, RJ Barrett was again named ACC freshman of the week for the fourth consecutive time.

June 20, 2019: NBA Draft

On June 20, 2019, the New York Knicks drafted RJ Barrett with the third overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft.

October 23, 2019: NBA Debut

On October 23, 2019, RJ Barrett made his debut in the NBA, starting in a 111–120 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, scoring 21 points.

2019: Senior Team Debut

In 2019, RJ Barrett debuted for the senior Canadian national team during qualification for the FIBA World Cup.

2019: Future at Duke

In 2019, RJ Barrett planned to attend Duke for the 2018–2019 season.

2019: NBA Draft and Raptors

In 2019, RJ Barrett was selected third overall in the NBA draft by the New York Knicks and later joined the Toronto Raptors.

2019: Top Canadian Prospect

In 2019, while attending St. Marcellinus Secondary School, RJ Barrett was recognized as the top Canadian prospect in the 2019 class.

December 21, 2020: Knicks Exercise Third-Year Option on Barrett

On December 21, 2020, the New York Knicks announced they exercised their third-year option on RJ Barrett, showing their continued investment in the young player's development.

January 6, 2022: Game-Winning Shot Against Celtics

On January 6, 2022, RJ Barrett scored 13 points and contributed six assists, culminating in a contested game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to secure a 108–105 victory for the Knicks over the Boston Celtics, after trailing by as much as 25 points.

May 24, 2022: Commitment to Canadian National Team

On May 24, 2022, RJ Barrett committed to play with the Canadian senior men's national team for a three-year period.

September 1, 2022: Re-signs with the Knicks on a four-year deal

On September 1, 2022, RJ Barrett re-signed with the Knicks on a four-year, $120M deal, becoming the first player since Charlie Ward in 1999 to agree to a multiyear extension after a rookie deal with the Knicks.

December 30, 2023: Traded to Toronto Raptors

On December 30, 2023, RJ Barrett, along with Immanuel Quickley and a 2024 second-round draft pick, was traded by the Knicks to his hometown Toronto Raptors in exchange for OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn.

January 1, 2024: Raptors Debut

On January 1, 2024, in his debut game with his hometown Raptors, RJ Barrett scored 19 points and had nine rebounds, shooting 50 percent from the field, contributing to a 124–121 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

January 7, 2024: Season-High Performance Against Warriors

On January 7, 2024, RJ Barrett achieved a season-high 37 points on 13 of 20 shooting, along with 6 rebounds and 6 assists, in a 133–118 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

November 1, 2024: Season-High Points and Career-High Assists

On November 1, 2024, RJ Barrett scored a season-high 33 points and achieved a then career-high 12 assists in a 131–125 loss against the Los Angeles Lakers.