The Toronto Raptors chose a new direction with Scottie Barnes leading the charge.
Barnes emerged as the face of the franchise during his third season after Toronto traded O.G. Anunoby and Pascal Siakam.
Barnes came out of the gates firing, resulting in an All-Star appearance.
Now, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett accompany him as the new core for the Raptors.
However, the work does not stop here as more responsibility is on Barnes’ shoulders as he tries to bring Toronto back to the promise land.
Barnes detailed the specific things he’s been working on this offseason, via a recent Twitch stream:
“I’ve been working on a ton of mid-range moves, a ton of read-and-reaction, off-the-ball dribble, just trying to read the defenders. If they’re cutting me off, making a secondary move if they cut me off no matter if they’re on the side of me, no matter if they’re in front of me. Using my bumps, rising up over top of the defenders. A lot of catch-and-shoot from corners, spot-ups from the wing, top of the key, extending my range, and then just working on my pickups off the dribble.”
He continued by mentioning that he has been getting into the weight room, trying to improve his body:
“Then off the court just like when I’m in the weight room, a lot of legs, lot of arms…getting stronger, shot feels amazing.”
There’s a lot to be excited about with Barnes seemingly being dedicated to his craft. Barnes should be poised for another big year in his fourth season.
Scottie Barnes extension could get done this summer
It is also worth noting that Barnes is extension-eligible this summer and it appears that a deal will get done this summer.
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