Rowan Alexander Barrett Jr., known professionally as RJ Barrett, is a Canadian professional basketball player who currently plays small forward for the Toronto Raptors. Standing 6'6" and weighing 214 pounds, Barrett was selected third overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks. He became the highest-drafted Canadian in NBA history and has established himself as one of the most promising young talents from Canada. Barrett's combination of size, athleticism, and scoring ability has made him a cornerstone player for his franchise.
Born in Mississauga, Ontario, Barrett comes from basketball royalty as the son of former Canadian national team player Rowan Barrett Sr. He moved to the United States to attend Montverde Academy in Florida, where he developed into one of the top high school prospects in the nation. Barrett then spent one season at Duke University, where he averaged 22.6 points per game and was named to the All-ACC First Team. His dominant college performance solidified his status as a lottery pick heading into the 2019 NBA Draft.
Barrett's NBA career began with the New York Knicks, where he spent his first four and a half seasons from 2019 to 2023. During his rookie campaign, he averaged 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting. He became the youngest Canadian player to score 1000 NBA points at age 20 and consistently improved his shooting efficiency and overall game. Barrett signed a four-year, $107 million rookie contract extension with the Knicks in 2022, demonstrating the franchise's commitment to his development.
In December 2023, Barrett was traded to the Toronto Raptors in a deal that brought him home to Canada. The move reunited him with his home country's only NBA franchise and gave him the opportunity to become a featured player in the Raptors' rebuilding efforts. Since joining Toronto, Barrett has embraced his role as a primary scorer and playmaker while representing Canadian basketball on the biggest stage. His return to Canada has been celebrated by fans who view him as a key piece of the franchise's future success.
Beyond his NBA career, Barrett has been a standout performer for the Canadian national team, helping lead the squad to a gold medal at the 2017 FIBA U19 World Championship. His international success and NBA achievements have made him one of the most recognizable faces of Canadian basketball. Barrett's combination of individual talent and team success has established him as a role model for young Canadian players aspiring to reach the NBA level.
