The expression of learning on the fly aptly sums up the lot RJ Barrett finds himself in at a time when the Raptors’ main ball-handlers and playmakers are unavailable because of injuries.
Recommended Videos
A bit of good news did emerge Sunday, when Scottie Barnes was able to make it through a light workout with the team’s assistant coaches. He was able to do some running and jumping, among other activities.
It must be noted that no timeline on a return was provided, though.
At the same time, the mere mention of Barnes being able to run and jump clearly suggests his latest mishap won’t be too protracted.
Barnes landed on the foot of Knicks centre Karl-Anthony Towns during New York’s visit to Scotiabank Arena last week while attempting a block. Barnes couldn’t put any weight on his ankle and was seen the following day in a walking boot.
All signs pointed to an extended stretch of inactivity. Along comes Sunday’s development and some much-needed encouraging news surfaced.
No Barnes, no Immanuel Quickley (wrist), no real veteran capable of handling the point position meant Barrett was thrust into the role when the Raptors played the host Miami Heat Thursday night.
A triple-double was recorded by Barrett, the second of his career, in the loss. He also accounted for half of Toronto’s 12 turnovers, coming awfully close to recording the dreaded quadruple.
“Whatever the team needs,” said Barrett Sunday as the Raptors prepared to play host to the Chicago Bulls for a Monday night date. “You have to go out there and figure it out.
“I haven’t really played point guard too much in the NBA, where you’re a playmaker and trying to make the right plays on both ends of the floor.”
Coaches have made it a point to discuss what is required from Barrett when operating out of the point and players have offered words of encouragement, basic communication tools one would associate when such a move is made.
Barrett sees the floor well and his passing ability can be underrated. The key when running an offence is to limit turnovers and maximize opportunities for the players around him.
Outside of the inherent challenges facing someone such as Barrett, who is best known for his off-the-ball dimension, the real challenge is posting wins.
The comforts of home should benefit the Raptors, who are 1-12 on the road. They strung together a nice stretch at home before facing two Western Conference heavyweights in Oklahoma City and Dallas before the Knicks arrived on a night when the outcome wasn’t decided until the final minute, a loss that capped off a 2-3 homestand.
Entering Monday night’s tip, the Raptors have lost four games in a row.
With no Barnes and no Quickley, Barrett acknowledged how every player is being asked to contribute even more, even on nights where more does not translate into more wins.
RECOMMENDED VIDEO
Whether it involves being more assertive in the huddle during timeouts or pointing things out to teammates on the court, Barrett has embraced more of a leadership presence.
To hear Barrett tell it, one of the positives amid the losing is the teamwide approach when it comes to teaching moments and keeping the lines of communication open, both on the off the floor.
One of Barrett’s first items on the to-do-list was to reach out to Quickley and Barnes once the decision was made at the point guard position.
“I just told them to talk to me all the time and let me know what they see out there,” added Barrett. “Honestly, they’ve been playing that position and they’ve been good at it. I’m just trying to pick their brain where I can be more effective.”
Barrett believes he hasn’t been asked to serve as both playmaker and shot creator since his days at Duke.
At some point, it’s hoped, both Barnes and Quickley will be back. Barnes appears to be much closer to returning than Quickley, but a healthy Barnes will take the pressure off Barrett given Barnes is familiar with having the ball in his hands, making reads and making plays.
“Adapting is one of my biggest skill sets, just in life,” continued Barrett. “I’ll be able to figure it out.”
There’s no harder worker, no more conscientious player than Barrett and no one best suited to handle the transition he’s been asked to make.
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic liked the 10 assists Barrett recorded in Miami and Barrett’s defence.
“He did a lot of good stuff in the game,” said Rajakovic. “I was very pleased at the way he handled the pressure and with it comes the learning. He can definitely do a better job in handling the situations.
“That’s something we’re working on and focusing. I’ve already seen a lot of progress.”
Film work, on-court drills, continued communication, putting Barrett in favourable situations on the floor, every avenue is being explored with the end game of allowing Barrett to exercise the right decision.
“It’s a lot of repetition,” added Rajakovic. “You don’t learn how to be a point guard overnight. You need to have some experience and it also comes with a learning curve.
“Sometimes you have to commit those turnovers to learn from those mistakes.”