Scottie Barnes is having an incredible third season with the Toronto Raptors.
He’s coming off a performance against the Detroit Pistons where he posted 17 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists. He did it efficiently on 7/11 shooting from the field and 3/4 shooting from deep.
Barnes was an impressive +37 while only playing in just 25 minutes.
Barnes has shown elite two-way skills through the Raptors first 13 games. For the season he is averaging 20.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 bocks per game. If Barnes keeps up these numbers, he will be headed to his first ever All-Star game.
Barnes’ hot start to the season has put him in some elite company:
Players in the 85th+ percentile of both offensive AND defensive EPM:
• Joel Embiid
• Shaivonte Gilgeous-Alexander
• LeBron James
• Jayson Tatum
• Paul George
• Scottie Barnes
• Chet Holmgren
• Karl-Anthony Towns
• Kawhi Leonard
• Derrick WhiteElite Two-Way Impact
— NBA University (@NBA_University) November 20, 2023
These are some elite players Barnes finds himself with. All of these players are difference makers on both ends of the court. It’s a true testament to the type of season Barnes is currently having.
Barnes is finding different ways to impact the game. If his shot isn’t falling, Barnes has shown the ability to rebound at a high level, facilitate for his teammates or change the game with his defense.
Barnes has had a 4-steal and 5-block game so far this season. He is leading the Raptors in points, rebounds, steals and blocks.
In a season of uncertainty for the Raptors, Barnes remains the constant bright spot. All eyes were on him entering this season and fans were expecting him to take a leap. Right now Barnes is taking a leap and seems to be joining some elite company along the way.
Darko Rajakovic has epic quote about Scottie Barnes
Darko Rajakovic recently talked about Barnes’ ability to impact the game in more than one way.
Rajakovic has been instrumental in unlocking Barnes’ jack of all trades skillset.
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