Injured his right shoulder after playing one game, Barrett was retired from the warm-up game_1
During a recent interview, we discussed the unfortunate injury that RJ Barrett of the Toronto Raptors sustained during the team’s first preseason game against the Washington Wizards. Barrett injured his right shoulder and was unable to return after the second quarter. The Raptors announced on October 8 that he will not participate in the remainder of the preseason, with updates on his recovery expected after these games. This raises questions about his availability for the season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Despite the Raptors’ impressive 125-98 victory, Barrett’s early exit was a significant concern. In just 14 minutes of play, he scored 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting, making him the game’s leading scorer before he left the court to assess the injury.
According to the team, Barrett is dealing with a sprained acromioclavicular joint in his right shoulder, located at the junction of the clavicle and scapula.
At just 24 years old, Barrett has personal ties to Toronto, having returned home last season through a trade between the Raptors and the New York Knicks. Additionally, his teammate Immanuel Quickley, who also joined the Raptors from the Knicks, recently signed a five-year, $175 million max contract, making the duo a key pairing for the team. Unfortunately, Barrett’s injury so close to the start of the season is a disappointing setback.
As Barrett prepares for his sixth NBA season, he has averaged 18.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists over 58 games last season with both the Knicks and the Raptors. He is also among the Canadian men’s basketball team members heading to the Paris Olympics.