Scottie Barnes is currently having a breakout season.
He led the Raptors to a 22-point comeback on the road on Nov. 5 against the San Antonio Spurs. He scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter.
He has scored 20+ points in 6 straight games and leads the Raptors in points, rebounds and blocks.
For the season Barnes is averaging 22.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists on 51.3 percent shooting from the field and 42.1 percent shooting from deep.
He has taken the league by storm and is showing off his tremendous potential.
ESPN released their NBA 25, under 25 list and ranked Barnes No. 15:
ESPN’s top 25 under 25 based on future potential:
1. Luka Doncic
2. Anthony Edwards
3. Victor Wembanyama
4. Tyrese Haliburton
5. Ja Morant
6. Cade Cunningham
7. Zion Williamson
8. Darius Garland
9. LaMelo Ball
10. Jaren Jackson Jr.
11. Tyrese Maxey
12. Evan Mobley…— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 7, 2023
The only players who Barnes isn’t ranked ahead from his 2021 NBA Draft class are Evan Mobley (No. 12) and Cade Cunningham (No. 5.)
It’s surprising that Barnes is behind Mobley. He has proven to be a better player than Mobley and has put up better numbers to start. He should be No. 12 and you could make a case that he can even be in the top 10.
There could be a debate between Cade Cunningham and Scottie Barnes, too.
Nonetheless, Barnes being recognized as one of the best NBA players under 25 is a positive thing.
The Raptors are coming off a very disappointing 2022-23 season. This is a team that has many flaws, but it appears they have a future superstar to build their team around in Barnes.
He has continued to get better each game and Barnes has already looked like the best player on Toronto.
If he continues to play like he has been, he will continue to climb up the under 25 list.
Barnes and Raptors take on Mavericks
The Raptors will take on Luka Doncic and the Mavericks on Nov. 8.
The Mavericks are 6-1, meanwhile the Raptors are 2-3.
The Raptors are going to need another big outing from Barnes if they want to pick up a crucial road victory.
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