I am so fucking proud of R.J. Barrett.
This kid is such a grinder, such a worker bee. You can plainly see why Thibs LOVES him, and always preaches forebearance when discussing his all around game, and comments about his overall game; his defense and passing; how he rebounds, plays down hill and makes good reads.
And R.J responds with more work, more work; refining elements of his game, improving across the board.
I've referenced Jimmy Butler countless times on this forum, and clearly, Thibs is referencing that as well.
Last year in 1704 minutes R.J. had 50 offensive rebounds. This year in 593 minutes he has 25.
Last year in 56 games he made 156-254 FTs, at a .614%. This year in 16 games he is 61-81, converting at a .753% clip.
As a shooter? Work to do, for sure, but R.J. is morphing into a butterfly before our eyes.
Last night he was 10-17, 2-3 from trey, 6-8 from the FT line for 28 points.
R.J. has had his Saul on the Road to Tsarsus Moment.
"I'm not so much a shooter, as I AM A SCORER."