Canada has already won their first two matches of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, and RJ Barrett is leading the team with his amazing performances.
RJ Barrett’s Stellar Performance
Since joining the Raptors from the Knicks in a trade for OG Anunoby, RJ Barrett has been playing his best basketball. Now at the Olympics, he’s taking it to another level. Even Dwayne Wade, who rarely gets impressed, praised him saying, “When I say he is hooping, he is hooping man.”
RJ Barrett is the Olympic MVP as of now, per HoopsHype's Global Rating.
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype)
After Canada’s last game, Wade took a photo with RJ and posted it on social media with more praise: “@rjbarrett has been hooping hooping.” Barrett scored 24 points against Australia after scoring 23 against Greece last week. Wade also mentioned that RJโs playstyle fits perfectly within the team’s flow.
Coach’s Praise and Upcoming Matches
Coach Jordi Fernandez echoed similar sentiments about RJ. โHe is that guy,โ he said after Canadaโs win over Australia. โSometimes I donโt call plays for him, and he just scores.โ With impressive stats of 16-for-27 from the floor and 4-for-10 from range in two games, RJ now aims to lead Canada to clinch their group top spot against Spain on Friday.
Fans love seeing such raw talent shine!
RJ Barrett’s Pride in Representing Canada
Before the Olympics began, RJ talked about how special it was to represent Canada. He told Forbes magazine that wearing Team Canada’s jersey on such a big stage was a dream come true. He felt immense pride and excitement for not just himself but everyone back home who supported him.
A Legacy Continued
Many might not know this but RJโs father also played for Canada in the Olympics and even won a medal 25 years ago. Feeling responsible to uphold his dadโs legacy, RJ said last week that it’s amazing to be part of what people call Canada’s “Golden Age” of basketball talent.
There have been great players before us wearing this jersey; we can only call it a Golden Age if we win gold,” expressed Barrett.
