RJ Barrett

Barrett is a Canadian wing who has established himself as an NBA starter since being selected third overall in 2019. Known as "the Maple Mamba," he arrived in the league with one of the most decorated high school résumés in recent memory and has translated that pedigree into consistent scoring production at the professional level.

Born Rowan Alexander Barrett Jr. on June 14, 2000, in Toronto, Ontario, he is the son of former professional basketball player Rowan Barrett. He lived in France, where his father played professionally, and began organized basketball in the youth system of JDA Dijon Basket. The family settled in Mississauga in 2008.

Barrett attended St. Marcellinus Secondary School in Mississauga before transferring to Montverde Academy in Florida. He was the consensus top recruit in the 2018 class, ranked No. 1 by all major services. He swept the Naismith Prep Player of the Year and Gatorade National Player of the Year awards and led Montverde to a national championship, becoming the first player since LeBron James to win all major high school awards and the national title in the same season.

With the Canadian under-19 national team, Barrett led Canada to gold at the 2017 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup and was named tournament MVP. He made his senior national team debut during 2019 FIBA World Cup qualification.

Barrett played one season at Duke, where he starred alongside Zion Williamson and Cam Reddish. He declared for the 2019 NBA draft and was selected third overall by the New York Knicks. As a professional, he has averaged solid scoring numbers while expanding his playmaking and defensive responsibilities.

Barrett functions as a primary scoring wing with the size to guard multiple positions and the handle to create offense off the dribble. His high school dominance and international success established a foundation of confidence and competitiveness. In the NBA, his development centers on three-point efficiency, defensive versatility, and leadership in clutch moments.