For years, RJ Barrett has shown flashes of the player Toronto Raptors fans believed he could become. The scoring ability has always been there, as has the physicality and confidence to attack the basket.
What has been harder to find is the ideal environment for him to consistently put those qualities together.
That could be about to change.
The arrival of Kawhi Leonard could give Barrett something he has rarely had during his NBA career: a teammate capable of commanding enormous defensive attention without needing to occupy the same offensive spaces.
And if that theory proves correct, Toronto could be looking at a significantly more dangerous version of Barrett during the 2026-27 season.
Barrett Has Never Lacked Offensive Ability
Barrett’s strengths have been relatively clear since his early years in the league.
He is at his best when he can attack downhill, use his strength against defenders and get into the paint before finishing through contact. The problem is that those opportunities become considerably more difficult when opposing defenses can focus their attention directly on him.
There was already evidence of what happens when Barrett receives more favorable offensive conditions.
Following his move from the New York Knicks to Toronto during the 2023-24 season, his field-goal percentage dramatically improved, rising from 42.3 percent over his final 26 games in New York to 55.3 percent across his first 32 appearances with the Raptors.
His skill set had not suddenly transformed.
The environment had.
That is precisely why Leonard could become such an important piece of Barrett’s development.
Why the Ingram Partnership Was Never Perfect
Barrett’s partnership with Brandon Ingram was always intriguing on paper because both players possess legitimate scoring talent.
However, there was an obvious problem.
Their offensive games often required similar territory.
Both players are comfortable creating their own shots, attacking from the perimeter and operating with the ball in their hands. Ingram’s preference for isolation possessions, pull-up jumpers and dribble creation could sometimes lead to the same spaces Barrett needed to operate effectively.
Instead of naturally opening the floor for one another, there were moments when the two players appeared to be competing for the same offensive real estate.
That doesn’t mean either player lacked quality.
It simply meant the combination wasn’t necessarily the cleanest stylistic fit.
Leonard offers something completely different.
Leonard Could Change Barrett’s Entire Offensive Environment
Leonard does not need to dominate every possession to influence a game.
His reputation alone forces defenses to pay attention.
Whether he is operating from the mid-range, posting up, attacking an isolation matchup or simply positioning himself in an area where he can receive the ball, Leonard creates a problem that opponents cannot afford to ignore.
That defensive gravity could be enormously valuable for Barrett.
Instead of facing multiple defenders every time he attempts to attack the rim, Barrett could find himself with clearer driving lanes.
Instead of having to manufacture every scoring opportunity, he could receive more chances as a secondary attacker.
And rather than constantly fighting for touches with another high-usage creator, Barrett could benefit from a superstar whose presence naturally creates opportunities around him.
That distinction could be crucial.
The Numbers Suggest There Is More to Come
Barrett’s production already indicates that he can become a highly effective offensive weapon when the circumstances are right.
Last season, he shot 49.1 percent from the field and 33.9 percent from three-point range while recording a true shooting percentage of roughly 58.5 percent.
Those aren’t numbers that suggest Toronto needs to completely reinvent his game.
Instead, they suggest the Raptors may simply need to put him in situations where he can make better use of what he already does well.
More open catch-and-shoot opportunities, fewer possessions against set defenses and additional room to attack could all help Barrett become more efficient.
Leonard’s presence potentially provides exactly that.
Toronto Has Seen This Before
There is another reason Raptors supporters could be optimistic.
Toronto has already witnessed what happens when Leonard’s offensive gravity surrounds a supporting cast.
During the Raptors’ championship campaign, opposing defenses were forced to devote enormous attention to Leonard, creating opportunities for teammates who didn’t necessarily need to be primary creators.
That same principle could now benefit Barrett.
He is not simply another spot-up shooter waiting for an open corner three. His ability to attack closeouts, drive aggressively and finish around the basket makes him particularly suited to exploiting the space created by a superstar scorer.
If defenders hesitate for even a moment because they are concerned about Leonard, Barrett could have the opportunity to punish them.
Barrett’s Breakout Could Matter Beyond One Player
This isn’t just about improving Barrett’s individual numbers.
Toronto needs to establish a reliable offensive identity, and finding multiple ways to generate efficient scoring will be critical.
The Raptors cannot expect one player to create everything during a long NBA season.
If Leonard can attract the primary defensive attention while Barrett becomes a more efficient secondary scorer, Toronto suddenly has another weapon capable of keeping an offense alive when the initial action breaks down.
That could become particularly important in the postseason, when half-court possessions become more difficult and every advantage matters.
The Big Question
The biggest question isn’t whether Barrett has talent.
He clearly does.
The question is whether Toronto can finally surround him with the type of offensive ecosystem that allows that talent to consistently translate into production.
Leonard may provide the missing ingredient.
Barrett doesn’t necessarily need more opportunities to dominate the basketball. He may need fewer obstacles between himself and the basket.
And if Leonard’s presence creates that freedom, the Raptors could discover that Barrett’s ceiling is considerably higher than some recent seasons have suggested.
Toronto fans have already seen glimpses of what Barrett can become.
Now, with Leonard potentially bending defenses in an entirely different way, the stage may finally be set for him to put everything together.
If the fit works as expected, Barrett could enter the new season looking less like a player searching for his next level and more like one finally ready to show it.
