Coming into this season, the Toronto Raptors made it clear that they had been trying to compete for the playoffs this yr. They acquired Brandon Ingram ultimately season’s commerce deadline to pair him with Scottie Barnes, a transfer that has given combined outcomes, however the match with Ingram and Barnes has been clear for essentially the most half.
The Raptors earned the fifth seed within the East this season, because of an All-Star yr from Barnes. There have been questions on whether or not or not he might be the staff’s franchise face, even together with his max contract extension.
These questions lingered into the postseason, however no matter how Toronto’s season finally ends up going, Barnes has made one factor clear.
Scottie Barnes has cemented himself because the face of the Raptors for the foreseeable future
This playoffs was set to be the proving floor for Barnes to point out that he might be Toronto’s high possibility offensively and he has handed with flying colours.
To this point within the first spherical in opposition to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Barnes has averaged 24 factors per sport, 5 rebounds, and eight assists whereas taking pictures 49 p.c from the sector and 39 p.c from three-point vary.
He has all of that offensive manufacturing whereas nonetheless being the face of the Raptors’ protection. He has taken the problem of guarding James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley all through this collection, exhibiting off his defensive versatility.
He and Collin Murray-Boyles have been a menacing defensive duo that has given the Cavs matches all through the collection. Barnes has been full go always, exhibiting that he might be an offensive engine and supply elite protection as properly.
He has additionally been the staff’s de-facto level guard with Immanuel Quickley out. He’s averaging 4 turnovers per sport, however that’s sure to occur when you might have the ball in your fingers for almost 40 minutes an evening.
The Raptors are down 3-2 with an opportunity to power a sport seven this weekend, however no matter whether or not they transfer on or not, Barnes is their future. He’s their franchise participant. They should maximize the roster round him and get him a reputable co-star, and flexibility round him.
Nearly as good as Ingram is, his inconsistencies have proven this collection. The Cavs have just about shut him down. Nonetheless, they haven’t had a solution for Barnes, so if Toronto can get him some reputable shot-creators, they are going to be a power to be reckoned with within the East sooner or later.
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