Mar 1, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett (9) comes down with a rebound against Golden State Warriors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

'We Don’t Have Egos Over Here' – Toronto Raptors Star Seemingly Takes Subtle Dig at Former Team During Media Day

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Oct 1, 2025 2:54 PM ET

RJ Barrett spoke about the Toronto Raptors’ team culture during the NBA Media Day, and the former third overall pick threw some shade at his former team, the New York Knicks, and perhaps even former teammate Julius Randle.

During his turn answering questions from reporters, Barrett offered a positive outlook for the Toronto Raptors this upcoming season, citing the organization’s selfless approach from top to bottom, on and off the court.

“We don’t have egos over here. Everybody wants to win… When I’ve been on teams where the ball doesn’t move and then nothing happens after that, nobody cares, and now everybody’s just every man for himself. So it’s great to be on a team where we move the ball, we play defense, and we care about each other,” Barrett stated via Omer Osman on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Mar 2, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett (9) drives around Orlando Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (3) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

“Honestly, we’re all friends, we all hang out, everything’s cool. Things are just the way the Raptors do things, the right way. And I think that’s why we’ll have some success,” he added.

Toronto Raptors News: Brandon Ingram also threw some shade at former team

RJ Barrett was not the only Toronto Raptors player who took a subtle dig at his former team, as Brandon Ingram also did the same at the New Orleans Pelicans’ expense during NBA Media Day, citing the huge difference between the two fanbases.

Nov 29, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (right) talks with forward Brandon Ingram (left) on the bench during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

“The most impressive thing for me is seeing every seat in the arena filled up every single game, no matter winning or losing,” Ingram said via TSN’s Josh Lewenberg. “That’s definitely different from New Orleans, having every seat filled and everybody showing love.”

Upon arriving in Toronto via trade last February, Ingram signed a three-year, $120 million contract extension. The former second overall pick has yet to suit up for the team since then.