Blue Devil Country

NBA Legend Calls Duke Basketball Pro RJ Barrett 'A Bland Player'

Former Duke basketball star RJ Barrett is shining bright, even though he's a dull talent in the eyes of a 10-time All-Star.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
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On Thursday night, during his "7PM in Brooklyn with Melo & Mero" show, retired 10-time NBA All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony didn't hold back when assessing the game of Duke basketball product and former New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett.

"He's just a bland player, bro," the 39-year-old Anthony, a former No. 3 overall draft pick who spent seven of his prime years as a prolific Knick (2011-17), opined about the 23-year-old Barrett to his nodding-in-agreement co-host. "That's not a shot. That's no disrespect."

It sure sounds like it, though.

In late December, the Knicks traded Barrett, their No. 3 overall pick from the 2019 NBA Draft, in a package deal alongside Immanuel Quickley and a 2024 second-round pick to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn.

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Across his six games for the Raptors, Toronto native RJ Barrett has posted what would mark career-high averages with 21.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per contest. He's shooting an impressive 53.6 percent beyond the arc.

"He's good," Anthony conceded about Barrett a few seconds after his initial comment above. "He get it done sometimes. But he's not an exciting player. You don't know if he's got four [points in a game] or 26."

Mero brought up Barrett's personality, sparking a one-word summary from Anthony: "Bland."

Despite playing five straight games away from home, the Raptors (15-23) are a respectable 3-3 with Barrett on their roster. Their other Duke basketball one-and-done, 24-year-old guard Gary Trent Jr., is averaging 11.4 points off the bench this season, his fourth in Toronto.

They remain on the road to face the Utah Jazz at 9:30 p.m. ET Friday.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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