History of RJ Barrett in Timeline

RJ Barrett is a Canadian professional basketball player currently playing for the Toronto Raptors in the NBA. He was drafted third overall by the New York Knicks in 2019 following a single season playing college basketball for Duke University. Barrett is known for his scoring ability and athleticism.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1936: First Medal at a Major Global Tournament

In 2023, RJ Barrett and the Canadian national team won their first ever World Cup medal, and first medal at a major global tournament since the 1936 Summer Olympics.

June 14, 2000: RJ Barrett Born

On June 14, 2000, Rowan Alexander "RJ" Barrett Jr. was born. He would later become a professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

August 3, 2014: Under-15 Provincial Tournament Win

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: Recognition as "Special" Prospect

On October 9, 2014, after a 27-point effort for St. Marcellinus, RJ Barrett was labeled "special" by North Pole Hoops, a Canadian recruiting website, despite being in his first year of high school.

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-winning shot for REDA in a 74–72 win over BTB Academy.

September 2015: Transferred 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 the game's MVP honors.

November 2016: Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award Watch List

In November 2016, RJ Barrett was named to the Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award watch list, marking him as a top prospect.

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 Montverde win the Spalding Hoophall Classic.

July 31, 2017: Reclassification to 2018 Class

On July 31, 2017, RJ Barrett reclassified to the 2018 class, aiming to enter college a year earlier.

August 16, 2017: Narrowed Down School Choices

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

November 10, 2017: Commitment to Duke University

On November 10, 2017, RJ Barrett announced his commitment to attend Duke University for the 2018-2019 season.

November 28, 2017: Season Opener Performance

On November 28, 2017, RJ Barrett scored 29 points in his season opener for Montverde Academy.

January 11, 2018: Nationally Televised Game Performance

On January 11, 2018, RJ Barrett scored 24 points in a nationally televised game against Orlando Christian Prep.

March 2018: Morgan Wooten National Player of the Year Award

In March 2018, RJ Barrett received the Morgan Wooten National Player of the Year award for outstanding character, leadership, and embodying student-athlete values.

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: French Fluency

In 2018, RJ Barrett can speak French fluently, although he admitted to being "a little rusty".

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, showcasing his consistent performance.

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

On February 25, 2019, RJ Barrett was named ACC freshman of the week for the fourth consecutive time, highlighting his dominant freshman season.

June 20, 2019: Drafted by the New York Knicks

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

October 23, 2019: NBA Debut

On October 23, 2019, RJ Barrett made his NBA debut for the New York Knicks, scoring 21 points in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

January 16, 2020: Sprained Ankle Injury

On January 16, 2020, RJ Barrett suffered a sprained ankle during a game against the Phoenix Suns.

December 21, 2020: Knicks Exercise Third-Year Option

On December 21, 2020, the New York Knicks announced that they exercised their third-year option on RJ Barrett, showing their confidence in his potential.

January 6, 2022: Game-Winning Shot Against Celtics

On January 6, 2022, RJ Barrett scored 13 points and six assists, including a contested game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer, securing a 108–105 victory for the Knicks over the Boston Celtics.

September 1, 2022: Re-signed with the Knicks

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 the Toronto Raptors

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

2023: Qualified to the Quarter-Finals of FIBA Basketball World Cup

In 2023, RJ Barrett and the Canadian national team qualified for the quarter-finals of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, securing a spot at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

January 1, 2024: Raptors Debut

On January 1, 2024, RJ Barrett made his debut with his hometown Raptors, scoring 19 points and securing nine rebounds in a 124–121 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

January 7, 2024: Season-High Score

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

March 2024: Death of brother Nathan

In March 2024, RJ Barrett's brother Nathan, who was about four years younger, died at the age of 19.

November 1, 2024: Season-High Points and Assists

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

2024: Summer Olympics Berth

In 2023, RJ Barrett and the Canadian national team qualified for the quarter-finals of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, securing a spot at the 2024 Summer Olympics.