In recent years, RJ Barrett has been the other guy. Barrett was overshadowed by his 2019 NBA Draft classmates in Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, and at times even Tyler Herro and Darius Garland.

Within his own team, he hasn’t been a primary option as he’s been overshadowed by the likes of Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson during his time with the New York Knicks, and now in the Toronto Raptors by Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and even Gradey Dick.

Recent days, however, have given him the opportunity to shine in the spotlight.

It was clearly Barrett’s night early on as he scored or assisted on three of the Raptors’ first four baskets. The Canadian would go on to finish with a season-high 39 points and added nine rebounds and five assists in a 130-119 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Jakob Poetl was also a force inside with his 30 points and 15 rebounds, but it was clear that Barrett was running the show.

Toronto hasn’t been having an ideal campaign thus far, but Barrett has been having arguably one of his best seasons. The former Duke Blue Devil has been averaging career-highs in points (23.2), assists (6.5), and rebounds (6.4). His efficiency has taken a dip, but it’s not a concern given he’s been shouldering a heavier workload with Barnes, Quickley, Bruce Brown, and Kelly Olynyk out.

Besides, it’s not efficiency the Raptors are counting on from Barrett; they simply need him to take charge in possessions. Physically, he can impose his will on defenders and he can get hot. The occasional cold spells are still an occurrence for the 24-year old, but he’s only scored less than 10 points just once this season.

We’re not even a quarter into the season, so a lot can change between now and then. Barrett can keep this up and become a first-time All-Star when his peers return. Or, he could see his production diminish and we would have to find him in the crowd once again. In Year Six, though, he’s on course to be a standout.

Most of the Toronto Raptors’ core players are 25 years old or younger so patience is needed as the Raptors navigate through another rebuilding phase. As one of the more tenured players, RJ Barrett has been tasked to lead Toronto through these tough times.

The current outlook for the Raptors may not be so rosy in the near term, but the likes of RJ Barrett certainly give some promise for the future.

With his elevated play, Barrett is showing Toronto that regardless of the stakes, he will keep playing hard for an organization that is home in the truest sense.