Raptors forward RJ Barrettwho was traded from New York to Toronto during the 2023/24 season, admitted in an interview with Donnovan Bennett of CBC Sports (YouTube link) that he felt “a little salty” watching his old team win a championship last season. However, Barrett stressed that he’s happy for his former Knicks teammates.
“If anybody else were to win it (besides the Raptors), I’m happy they won it,” Barrett told Bennett. “You know, I still have friends over there. I’ve called and checked on the guys, said congrats. One of the guys from the team (Trey Jemison) is actually on the Raptors now, so things are cool. The mayor gave myself and (former Knick Immanuel Quickley) a shout-out. We’ll always have ties there. Like I said, I’m very happy for them, but just hoping to bring some of that success over here.”
Barrett went on to discuss the Raptors’ offseason acquisition of Kawhi Leonardsuggesting that it’s “surreal” to team up with the player who led his hometown team to its first and only NBA title.
“I’ve been a Raptors fan my whole life. I was getting ready for the draft when the Raptors won the championship (in 2019),” he said. “When (Leonard) made the game-winner against Philly, I was jumping up and down. So from being a fan to now being able to play with him, that’s going to be so special.”
We have more from around the Atlantic:
- Drew Joneswho was the head coach of the Raptors 905 for the past two seasons, is no longer with the organization, tweets Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca. Noah Lewiswho previously served as a player development coach in Toronto, was announced in July as the new head coach of the Raptors’ G League affiliate.
- In a pair of pre-camp stories, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice wonders how many quality minutes new Sixers swingman Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has left in the tank and identifies five areas of concern for the 76ers this season. Those potential red flags include Joel Embiid’s and LeBron James’ availability, how Philadelphia’s starting five will share the ball, and whether the team will be able to rely on either Adem Bona or Ariel Hukporti as its No. 2 center.
- Ed Flynnwho spent the past three seasons with the Pelicans as a video coordinator, has joined the Knicks’ staff and will be Mike Brown’s “challenge guy” in 2026/27, advising the head coach on whether or not to challenge certain plays, writes Stefan Bondy of The New York Post. Jordan Brinkwho previously held that role, was repeatedly lauded by Brown for his decisions on those close calls, but he left the organization this summer for an assistant coaching role in Chicago. Flynn’s official title with the Knicks will be assistant coach/special situations, a source tells Bondy.