Next season is important for Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes.
As a team, Toronto is expected to be in the Play-In Tournament, worst case scenario. So, Barnes will be measured in regards to being a serious, winning player.
Frankly, since he was selected by the Raptors, there have been no expectations. However, the pressure to start winning is already beginning to mount now that Brandon Ingram is in town.
By having a core of Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Ingram and Barnes, there are a lot of cooks in the kitchen. It will be intriguing to monitor how much sacrifice is required to make this all work.
However, Barnes needs to solidify his standing as a No. 1 option. That starts with putting in the work in the offseason and he is reportedly in talks to join the Jamaican national team for FIBA play, via Daniel Blake of the Jamaica Observer:
BREAKING: Been informed that talks are underway for @Raptors All-Star Scottie Barnes, @DetroitPistons centre Isaiah Stewart & @spurs guard Devin Vassell to join Jamaica’s growing basketball team.
Twin brothers Amen & Ausar Thompson begun their passport process last week. pic.twitter.com/iPqzFL1bXW
— Daniel Blake (@DannyBeegie) June 4, 2025
As Blake mentions, this comes as a move to play in the FIBA World Cup Americas Pre-Qualifiers in August. Although Barnes was not born in Jamaica, his father was born and raised there, which makes him eligible.
Defense looks to be a theme for the Jamaican national team as they have already brought on Amen and Ausar Thompson and Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart.
In addition to having scoring options in former Raptor Norman Powell and San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell. This serves as a great opportunity for Barnes to play internationally, plus ramp up for the NBA season.
Hopefully, Barnes can make the most out of this opportunity and assert himself as a rising star.
Darko Rajakovic calls Scottie Barnes ‘a unicorn’
Head coach Darko Rajakovic has been tasked with the opportunity of turning this Raptors team around. While losing is never easy, Toronto is seeing flashes from their young core.
When reflecting on the season, Rajakovic pointed out Scottie Barnes as a ‘unicorn’ due to everything he does on the floor.
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