Last week, Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett celebrated an anniversary: one year since the franchise-altering move that brought him back to his hometown.

Spending the first four-and-a-half years of his NBA career with the New York Knicks before Toronto acquired Barrett and Immanuel Quickley as part of a five-player deal, Barrett made his Raptors debut on January 1, 2024.

Twelve months later, the Toronto native Barrett hasn't been any less appreciative of the move home.

"It's just such a blessing to be here. It means a lot more for me to put on this jersey every day, as well as just being back home. I've lived in the States for like, nine to 10 years, to be back in Canada now, I get to live in my hometown," Barrett said in an interview. "It's been amazing."

Barrett, who has been the Raptors' leading scorer since the trade, has averaged 22.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and five assists in 62 games since coming to Toronto.

A third overall draft pick out of Duke who played at Montverde Academy in Florida — the same prep school that produced Toronto teammate Scottie Barnes — Barrett has long been projected for NBA stardom.

"When I was growing up. I didn't go downtown too much, and now I'm downtown every day. I'm just learning different things. But I'm still going to all my old spots that I used to go to," Barrett said.

One special memory that stood out to Barrett prior to his NBA career was the trip Duke made to the city in the preseason before his lone college year, where they took on the Ryerson Rams in Mississauga.

"We were able to play them in front of all of my family and friends. It was a really great memory to have," Barrett said of a team that included future No. 1 pick Zion Williamson. "I'm always gonna have those core memories."

How does Barrett keep busy during the Raptors season?

It's a connection to his youth that led to Barrett's latest partnership, as he's joined PlayStation's Playmaker program alongside other athletes including Aaliyah Edwards of the Washington Mystics,  Sarah Nurse of the Toronto Sceptres, and William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

"I've been playing a PlayStation since —  I can never remember — I think I was nine years old, my parents got me a PlayStation 2 for my birthday," Barrett added. "I bring it with me on every road trip. I find small times during the day to make sure I play."

Barrett named Call of Duty and NBA 2K as his two go-to games, though he also dabbles in the Mortal Kombat franchise.

But while some people might assume he'll only play with the Raptors in video games, he says he's open to playing with just about anybody, though he does occasionally play as himself.

"I normally just play with my friends, and we will do random teams, or sometimes we'll go in the park and stuff like that," he said.