Raptors forward RJ Barrett is hoping for a friendly reception from fans tonight in his first-ever road game at Madison Square Garden, writes Peter Botte of The New York Post. The Knicks were in the middle of a road trip when Barrett and Immanuel Quickley were sent to Toronto as part of a five-player trade on December 30, so this marks the first time back in New York City for either player since the deal. Barrett has fond memories of the four-plus seasons he spent with the Knicks, and he hopes the city feels the same way.
“I think the one thing [I appreciated most here] was the fans,” Barrett said. “Sold out every night, it’s like a show at the Garden, with all the lights and everything that goes on. So I was always appreciative of that, I always loved playing in the Garden. But [Saturday] I’ll be a visitor, and I’m excited to see what that’s like.”
Quickley has been given a larger role with the Raptors than he had in New York, Botte adds. Even though he was runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year honors last season, coach Tom Thibodeau was only playing him 24 minutes per night before the deal. Quickley has become a starter in Toronto and is averaging career highs of 18.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists through 10 games.
“I don’t cry during movies, so I’d probably say not that much,” Quickley responded when asked if he expects returning to the Garden to be emotional, “but this one will be — I’ma try not to cry.”
There’s more on the Raptors:
- Quickley believes he developed “thick skin” from dealing with the New York media and the expectations of Knicks fans, per Stefan Bondy of The New York Post. He still keeps in touch with his former teammates and says he understands why he was traded. “Business of basketball,” Quickley said. “The Knicks made a decision. And not really much you can do about it. Expecting to play a basketball game [that night against the Pacers] and didn’t.”
- Barrett and Scottie Barnes both received an A-minus as Eric Koreen of The Athletic handed out his mid-season grades for the Raptors. Koreen cites Barnes’ improvement as a shooter as the most positive development for the team and says Barrett has been a perfect partner for him in transition.
- Indiana’s own 2024 first-round pick that Toronto received in the Pascal Siakam trade is top-three protected, so it won’t convey in the unlikely event that the Pacers miss the playoffs and get lucky in the lottery. If that happens, according to Blake Murphy of Sportsnet (Twitter link), the Raptors would receive Indiana’s second-round pick in 2025 and the least favorable 2024 second-rounder among the Pacers, Jazz and Cavaliers.
fact :;
Through his first nine games with his home team, Barrett is thriving with his hometown team averaging 20.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 56.9% from the field and 43.2% from 3.
The Canadian wing is playing more efficient basketball in the 15th-ranked Raptors’ pace than the Knicks’ bottom-four pace.”
RJ is a hometown hero. He’s only 23 yrs old. He can now just reach his upside. Away from the scrutiny of NYC. This is a good place for him. Wish him the best…..
Quickley is starting. He also can peak as a player now. Both are players who work hard. Their future is bright. Knicks were never going to retain Quickley. He is headed to a big payday. Get those ast up IQ. Grow your game.
You are not a fan of basketball if you don’t see the benefits of this trade now. Team fit and chemistry is what makes a team better. Makes a player, a better team player. A rare win win trade here. Even if you are a fan of the player. You have to admit they are better off now.
Knicks beat Raptors last night. A team still going thru changes. We won’t see their direction till next yr. They are in full retool mode now. With their backcourt set now.
Achiuwa stat line :::::
25 mins, 18 pts, 11 reb, (9/10) FG …….
Knicks need him to develop and handle the backup PF spot. 3 yrs in the nba 24 yrs old
Good luck with Achiuwa man. He is equal parts tantalizing and frustrating. If he puts it together he really could be something. His defense can be incredible but oh my his offense is like watching a car crash in slow motion sometimes.
Well he got his chance now. Thibs can help him get there. Meaningful 15-18 mins a gm. All we need. From the Bronx. He understands what Knicks need.