Predators forward RJ Barrettwho was traded from New York to Toronto in the 2023/24 season, admitted in an interview with CBC Sports’ Donovan Bennett (Link to YouTube) that he felt “a little salty” watching his old team win the championship last season. However, Barrett emphasized that he is happy for his ex Nix teammates.
“If anybody else wins (besides the Raptors), I’m happy they win.” Barrett said to Bennett. “You know, I still have friends there. I called and checked on the guys, said congratulations. One of the guys from the team (Trey Jamison) is actually on the Raptors right now, so it’s cool. The mayor gave himself and (former Nik Immanuel Quickley) shout. We will always have connections there. Like I said, I’m really happy for them, but I’m just hoping to bring some of that success here.”
Barrett continued to discuss the Raptors’ acquisition in the offseason Kawhi Leonardsuggesting it’s “surreal” to team up with the player who led his hometown team to its first and only NBA title.
“I’ve been a Raptors fan my whole life. I was getting ready for the draft when the Raptors won the championship (in 2019).” he said. “When (Leonard) hit the game-winner against Philly, I was jumping up and down. So, from being a fan, to now being able to play with him, it’s going to be so special.”
We have more from across the Atlantic:
- Drew Joneswho was the head coach of the team Predators 905 over the past two seasons, no longer with the organization, tweets Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca. Noah Lewiswho previously worked as a player development coach in Toronto, was announced in July as the new head coach of the Raptors’ G League affiliate.
- In a couple of pre-camp stories, PhillyVoice’s Adam Aaronson wonders how many quality minutes new Sixers swingman Kentavius Caldwell-Pope went to the tank and identifies five problem areas for the 76ers this season. These potential red flags include Joel Embiidand LeBron Jamesavailability, how Philadelphia’s starting five will share the ball and whether the team will be able to rely on one or the other Adem Bono or Ariel Hookporti as her No. 2 center.
- Ed Flynnwho spent the last three seasons with Pelicans as a video coordinator, joined the Nix‘ staff and will Mike Brownwrites “challenging guy” in the 2026/27 season, advising the head coach on whether certain games should be challenged. Stefan Bondi of The New York Post. Jordan Brinkwho previously held the position, Brown has repeatedly praised for his decisions in those close calls, but he left the organization this summer to an assistant coaching role in Chicago. Flynn’s official position with the Knicks will be assistant coach/special situations, Bondi’s source said.
