Best Case / Worst Case: Can RJ Barrett blend ruthless efficiency with a defensive leap? w/ Vivek Jacob

RJ Barrett was a picture of offensive consistency for the Toronto Raptors after being acquired from the New York Knicks in the OG Anunoby trade last season, but can he replicate that scoring output while improving as a defender? In Episode 1698, Sean Woodley and Vivek Jacob (Raptors in 7, Sportsnet) talk about the best and worst case outcomes for Barrett in his first full season with Toronto -- one  that could play a huge part in determining his long-term outlook with the franchise. Off the top, Sean and Vivek dive into the best-case outcome for Barrett, which sees him maintain the same offensive role and efficiency as he had last year while using a better defensive environment around him and some personal development to transform into an average to slightly-above-average defender on the wing. Next, they talk about the worst-case scenario for RJ in 2024-25, in which his career-best outputs as a rim finisher and three-point shooter fall back towards his career averages, while the defense remains at a below-average level. It may not be super likely considering the tangible changes to Barrett's play style than the trade, but the history of poor results on Barrett's ledger can't be totally ignored. Lastly, Sean and and Vivek discuss the most likely outcome for Barrett, which is that he is more or less the same player he was night-to-night for the Raptors last season and with Team Canada this summer -- a supremely efficient play-finisher and porous defender whose long-term role within the Raptors' remains a bit of a mystery. Join us over on the Locked On Raptors Discord server! https://discord.gg/qZyp8bNgFor your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!eBay MotorsFrom brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep your ride-or-die alive at EbayMotors.com. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelNow through September 22nd, ALL FanDuel customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get a THREE WEEK free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube and YouTube TV. Visit FANDUEL.COM/LOCKEDON to get started.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Show Theme Music: Keep Fallin' / The Passion HiFi on SoundCloud