Although the Toronto Raptors missed the play-in tournament, franchise centerpiece Scottie Barnes dominated the challenge of a first option. He improved his jump shot while maintaining the capacity to guard nearly any position. These factors coerced his name into the 2024 all-star roster.
Offensively, Barnes has proven his ability to excel at all three levels. He will use his size to get to the cup, or he will use his instincts and drain a three. Either way, Barnes has evolved into a prototypical scorer of the modern era.
Barnes has never raised any concern on the defensive end. He has a strong, lengthy frame that allows him to keep up with guards on the perimeter and pin shots off the backboard when contesting the paint. There is simply no flaw in his ability to stretch the floor 94 feet.
Barring injury, Scottie Barnes could boost the Raptors to a top-eight seed next season.
At the end of 2023, the Toronto Raptors made the right move to surround Scottie Barnes with talent. Though they traded OG Anunoby, they acquired RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley from the New York Knicks. These are two players that can contribute to all facets of the game. With their combined efforts, Barnes can clinch a top-eight seed for Toronto.
In 60 games this season, the former Florida State Seminole finished his career year averaging 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists while shooting 47.5% from the floor. Barnes’ name would have been in the all-defensive discussion if he met the league requirements.
Moreover, given Barnes’s dominance, Toronto’s front office will likely offer him a max contract extension this offseason. This is well deserved for the first-time all-star, as the Raptors believe they have found their superstar for years to come.
There is no doubt that Barnes has the skillset and leadership to guide Toronto to the postseason. He has a great supporting cast and one of the league’s most well-respected coaches, Darko Rajaković. Barnes must dig deep and take that next step in his game for his teammates and the Raptors franchise.
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