The Toronto Raptors have struggled out of the gate, but Scottie Barnes has been the one constant bright spot.
Barnes entered his third season with a ton of expectations. Fans were hoping that this would be the season that Barnes would take a leap.
So far Barnes looks like he is ready to have a special season. Through the first six games this season Barnes is averaging 21.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 2.0 blocks per game. He’s doing it on very efficient shooting splits. Barnes is shooting 52.6 percent from the field, 39.3 percent from deep and 83 percent from the free throw line.
He has scored 20+ points in five straight game:
Scottie Barnes this season:
24 PTS, 8 REB, 8 AST, 56% FG
21 PTS, 12 REB, 5 AST, 2 BLK, 1 STL
20 PTS, 12 REB, 2 AST, 1 BLK, 2 STL
24 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST, 2 BLK, 68% FG
22 PTS, 10 REB, 10 AST, 2 BLK, 64% FG
17 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST, 5 BLK, 2 STL pic.twitter.com/3zW0ZOpnzJ— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 3, 2023
Scottie Barnes is the youngest Raptor to record 20+ points in at least 5 straight games since Chris Bosh did it back in 2006.
Simply put Barnes has looked like a star on both ends of the court. He’s been more aggressive and assertive with the basketball. Also, he continues to shine as a player maker and his shot looks solid. The one area of his game that Barnes needed to improve on was his shooting, particularly his three-point shot. His shooting stroke has looked a lot more smooth this season.
On defense Barnes has shown his ability to guard anyone from center to point guard. He had a 5 block performance in the Raptors first game of the season against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Barnes’ production has been off the charts. He hasn’t had an off game yet and he continues to fill up the stat sheet.
Barnes is second in the league in PTS+REB+AST this season only behind two-time MVP Nikola Jokic:
Leader in PTS+REB+AST this season:
227 — Nikola Jokic
221 — Scottie Barnes
216 — Luka Doncic
211 — Anthony DavisScottie. Barnes. pic.twitter.com/aWmv3sMti7
— Extra StatMuse (@extrastatmuse) November 3, 2023
Barnes’ hot start
The Raptors haven’t gotten off to the best of starts, but it’s been exciting to watch the continued development of Barnes.
It’s still early, but Barnes has gotten off to a great start and it looks like the leap is here.
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