Scottie Barnes is putting together a stellar season for the Toronto Raptors.
Despite the team’s lack of success this season, Barnes has been consistent, particularly on the defensive end.
Barnes is only one of two players this season who has reached 300+ assists, 70+ steals and 55+ blocks. The other player is MVP frontrunner and Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander:
The only two players that have reached 300+ AST, 70+ STL & 55+ BLK this season:
SGA 🇨🇦 & Scottie Barnes! pic.twitter.com/nnvnTyFMkj
— NBA Canada (@NBACanada) March 11, 2025
For the season Barnes is averaging 19.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Barnes did miss some time on two separate occasions with injury, but he is still on pace to play in 65 games this season which is needed for the NBA’s end-of-season awards. However, he can only miss 3 more games.
If Barnes makes one of the three All-NBA teams this season, his contract extension would become the “supermax” and would net him about $45 million more over the course of the five-year deal that kicks in next season. However at this point, it seems like a long shot that Barnes will receive those honors.
Nonetheless, Barnes is still enjoying a strong campaign. His three-point shooting has seen a drastic dip, but he has developed more of a mid-range game which has been on full display. Also, his defense has been standout all year long, looking the part of a future NBA Defensive Player of the Year award winner.
With the Raptors progressing in their rebuild, Barnes is still positioned to be their guy. With the acquisition of Brandon Ingram, the two can form a formidable duo in the East for years to come.
Canadian A.J. Lawson has career night in Raptors win over Wizards
A.J. Lawson had a career night for the Toronto Raptors in their 119-104 win over the Washigton Wizards.
He put up a career-high 32 points and 12 rebounds as he led the Raptors to a convincing win.
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