Scottie Barnes is back and healthy for the Toronto Raptors.
Injuries have played a massive role in Toronto’s early season struggles, but Barnes and RJ Barrett have showcased strong play.
There are going to be struggles as the 6’7″ forward is still only 23-years-old. However, there have been plenty of flashes from Barnes displaying franchise player tendencies.
Notably on Friday against the Miami Heat, the former Florida State Seminole put up 24 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists on 8-for-15 shooting from the field and 3-for-8 shooting from three.
That latest triple-double has already placed him second all-time on the Raptors all-time triple-doubles list:
It’s only a matter of time until Scottie Barnes passes Kyle Lowry for the most triple-doubles in Raptors franchise history. pic.twitter.com/eCiZatihuA
— Luca Rosano (@lucarosano3) November 30, 2024
As showcased in the graphic, it is not surprising to see Kyle Lowry at the top. Given how crucial of a player he was in Canada, specifically in helping the team win a championship in 2019.
Barnes is setting himself up to surpass the Raptors legend. If the fourth-year forward is able to remain healthy and play a considerable amount of regular season games, 10 more triple-doubles seems doable.
In the 9 games he’s played this season, Barnes is averaging a near triple-double with 20.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 6.8 assists.
This will certainly be something to monitor as the season progresses with the hopes of the forward solidifying himself as an All-Star once again.
Nikola Jokic praises Scottie Barnes
It seems like stars are taking notice of the Raptors star as he looks to put together his best season yet. Denver Nuggets three-time MVP Nikola Jokic praised Barnes when the two faced off in late October.
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!
