The Toronto Raptors have been a team stuck in limbo, deciding on whether to be competitive or rebuild.
One of their best young players is Scottie Barnes. He was the No. 4 pick in the 2021 draft and the Raptors seem committed to him.
Barnes averaged 15.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists on 45.6% from the field last season.
His shooting numbers took a slight dip from his rookie year, but Barnes still has plenty of upside. He now gears up for an important third season with the Raptors.
When David Aldridge was asked which Atlantic Division player is most likely to have a breakout season, his answer was Scottie Barnes:
“I may be fudging the word “breakout,” given he’s posted solid numbers his first two seasons, but I’ll go with Scottie Barnes. The Raptors have cleared the runway for him to be the guy going forward — I know Pascal Siakam is still there, but it feels like the relationship with him and the team has just about run its course. Barnes could become a superstar in short order.”
The Raptors are looking to be competitive this season and are banking on Scottie Barnes to take a big third year leap. The goal is to maximize Barnes’ value under new head coach Darko Rajakovic.
Fans are expecting Barnes to take the next step and flourish this season.
B/R lists the Raptors as a team that ‘blew it’ this offseason
Leading up to February’s trade deadline, there were rumors swirling about the Raptors potentially moving Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Fred VanVleet.
The team decided to buy instead of sell and they acquired center Jakob Poeltl from the San Antonio Spurs. The Raptors then lost Fred VanVleet for nothing in free agency.
The Raptors losing VanVleet and not choosing a direction has Bleacher Report believing that they blew it this offseason.
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