There is no question that RJ Barrett is maturing. 

The kid who was a fixture on the Canadian basketball scene since he was a teenager is in his eighth NBA season, working towards his third contract. He’s 26, a father and has seen some things. 

But there was the slightest bit of pushback when it was relayed to him that Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic had said he was “maturing into a winning player.”

It was meant to be high praise from a coach who places a high value on things like smart decision-making, selflessness, versatility and the willingness to step up when things get difficult. 

“RJ is one of those guys who, in tough moments, he’s not shying away from taking responsibility,” said Rajakovic on Thursday as the Raptors were preparing to host the Orlando Magic for the second consecutive game at Scotiabank Arena on Friday to start NBA Cup play. 

“That doesn’t necessarily mean he wants the ball in his hands; that doesn’t mean he demands any attention …. I really think that RJ is maturing into a winning player and will do whatever it takes to help the team win.”

Barrett’s only counterpoint? 

“I’ve always been winning, my whole life, man,” said Barrett, who won national high school championships at Montverde Academy, a u19 World Championship with Canada, led Duke to the NCAA tournament, helped Canada to a Bronze medal at the World Championships in 2023 and appeared in the playoffs twice with the Knicks and again with the Raptors last season. “I’ve been in winning situations. So I think now, here with this team, I’m continuing to learn and grow and get better on both........

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