The Toronto Raptors announced Tuesday that RJ Barrett, one of their leading players, will not participate in remaining preseason games due to shoulder pain he experienced against Washington Wizards (125-98 win by Toronto), during a win they sustained an AC joint sprain and will provide further updates after preseason ends.
Details on Barrett’s Injury
Barrett sustained an AC joint injury near the end of the first half and left soon thereafter to head for the locker room, shortly after scoring 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting in just 14 minutes of playing time.
Barrett’s Return to His Hometown Team
Last season, Barrett made a significant career move back to Toronto, his hometown, through a trade involving the Raptors and the New York Knicks. This trade also saw OG Anunoby going to New York and Immanuel Quickley coming to Toronto alongside Barrett. The Raptors have high hopes for the trio of Barrett, Quickley, and All-Star Scottie Barnes to lead the team into a competitive new chapter.
Barrett’s Career Highlights
After representing Team Canada at this summer’s Paris Olympic Games, Barrett is eagerly looking ahead to his sixth NBA season. Selected third overall in 2019 NBA draft and having had an outstanding debut campaign averaging 20.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over 58 games (and 18.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists overall over his entire career), Barrett looks poised for further success this coming campaign.
Looking Forward to the Regular Season
As regular season action commences on October 23 against Cleveland Cavaliers, Raptors fans and team officials eagerly anticipate news about Barrett’s recovery and return. His absence from preseason is meant as an extra precautionary measure so he may fully heal before contributing effectively in regular season action.