R.J. Barrett, who was born in Toronto, Ontario, and grew up in Mississauga, finally returned to his home region when the Toronto Raptors acquired him mid-season during the 2023-24 campaign. The Canadian wing immediately embraced the role of the homegrown star, finding renewed confidence and improved efficiency by averaging over 21 points, six rebounds, and four assists for the team through the end of that season, a performance he has largely sustained into the 2025-26 season. Barrett has openly spoken about the pride and increased passion he feels playing for his hometown franchise, with fans and the organization viewing him as a central piece of their future and a symbol of Canadian basketball excellence.