The Toronto Raptors are now Scottie Barnes’ team.
The Raptors made that clear when they traded both Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby last season and positioned Barnes as the new cornerstone of the franchise.
Barnes was at Raptors Media Day rocking a new look ahead of the season:
Scottie Barnes Media Day fro! pic.twitter.com/nXbGg7p74P
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) September 30, 2024
The 23-year-old will be entering his fourth campaign. He’s coming off his best year as a pro, averaging 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 60 games.
Since Barnes will be the player to help lead the Raptors during their rebuild, leadership will be something he needs to display.
Barnes talked about working on his communications skills over the summer and embracing a leadership role with the Raptors for this upcoming season.
“Just trying to step into that next role of growing into that leader. You gotta just take steps and I feel like I’ve been taking the right steps this summer,” he said.
“I’m usually accustomed to being that leader by example. I go out there and play hard.”
In terms of his on-court work, Barnes said he prioritized shot creation, attacking off the dribble, getting to the basket and getting to his spots more efficiently.
Toronto is not expected to make the playoffs or compete for a title this season, but it will be important to see Barnes take his game to another level and thrive as the leader of the clubhouse.
The Raptors have the foundation in place around Barnes so the hope is that everyone will grow together.
Darko Rajakovic talks about building foundation with Raptors
Darko Rajakovic is entering his second season as head coach of the Toronto Raptors.
Rajakovic called this year one of the Raptors rebuild and he wants to take a more “holistic approach” this season.
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