Scottie Barnes will miss the start of training camp due to personal reasons.
The Raptors excused the fourth-year player, the team told reporters at training camp. Barnes was in attendance at Raptors Media Day on Monday but did not make the trip to Montreal.
However, he is expected to join the team later in the week:
Scottie Barnes did not come to Montreal with the Raptors for the start of training camp for personal reasons. He is expected to join the team later in the week.
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) October 1, 2024
Barnes’ absence shouldn’t be a concern as he was fully healthy entering training camp. Barnes confirmed on social media that he and his partner are expecting the birth of their first child so that could be the reason why Barnes isn’t with the team. However, the Raptors did not disclose the reason.
The Raptors will also be without first-round pick Ja’Kobe Walter and Bruce Brown at training camp.
Walter is recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered in offseason workouts during a collision with Barnes. However, the 20-year-old is not expected to miss much time.
Meanwhile, Brown is recovering from knee surgery he had this offseason. He is expected to miss at least three weeks, before the Raptors update his status. Brown had been dealing with a lingering knee issue last season, but was cleared over the summer, Raptors president Masai Ujiri said on Monday. However, the organization opted for Brown to have surgery once his knee injury returned as he was ramping up for this season. The Raptors exercised Brown’s $23 million team option this summer.
The Raptors will hold training camp in Montreal and then they will kickoff their preseason slate on Oct. 6 against the Washington Wizards in the annual Canada Series game at the Bell Centre.
Scottie Barnes talks about embracing a leadership role with Raptors
Since Scottie 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.
Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
