After a relatively disappointing sophomore season, Scottie Barnes is set to have a significant upcoming third year with the Toronto Raptors. Barnes is one of the more intriguing, and I would argue polarizing, young players in the NBA currently. While he has all of the physical tools that could make him one of the most dynamic wing players in the league one day, he also has some areas in his game that he could continue to improve on.
Following the departure of their former all-star point guard Fred VanVleet, after he signed with the Houston Rockets early on in this year’s free agency period, the Raptors are banking a lot on the development of their young talent moving forward. With Barnes at the forefront of that young talent, his progression as a player and leader on the team will be vital for Toronto’s hopes for success moving forward.
Will Scottie Barnes Have a Third-Year Leap?
Barnes’ Rookie Season
After being selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, many Raptors fans questioned Barnes. While his player profile was one to be excited about, it was questionable if Barnes’ transition into the NBA would be smooth. Barnes only played one year of college basketball at Florida State, so he did not have a large sample size of play at the NCAA level. However, many fans were intrigued by his ability to handle the ball at 6’8 and defend multiple positions.
Some were skeptical of Scottie Barnes’ ability to make an impact right away. However, he made a giant impact his rookie year.
Starting in all 74 games he played, Barnes had a tremendous rookie season for the Raptors. He averaged 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while showing some major potential as a versatile defender. Among rookies during the 2021-2022 season, Barnes had the highest win-share total at 6.6. He was also the only rookie to rank in the top five in total points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks that season. Barnes’ success helped the Raptors to the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Barnes’ very impressive first year in the league earned him the 2021-2022 NBA Rookie of the Year Award. His exciting style of play and humongous upside at just 20 years old made him a bright gem following his rookie season.
Scottie’s Sophomore Season
Coming off his Rookie of the Year season, Raptors fans were very excited to see Barnes’ development and improvement. Unfortunately for Raptors fans, that’s not quite what they got.
In 77 games played during his sophomore season, Barnes had an underwhelming campaign for the Raptors. Barnes averaged 15.3 points per game again, with fewer rebounds than his rookie year at 6.6 per game. Barnes’ shooting percentages also worsened, as he shot 45% from the field, compared to 49% his rookie year. He also shoot 28% from three, compared to 30% his rookie year.
The Raptors finished as the 9th seed in the Eastern Conference. They went on to lose in the play-in tournament to the Chicago Bulls.
Overall, Barnes’ sophomore season left a lot to be desired. Therefore, many Raptors fans wondering where Barnes’ game would go from here.
Potential For a Third-Year Leap
While Barnes may have gone through a sophomore slump, there is potential for a big third-year.
With Fred VanVleet no longer on the roster, Barnes will handle the ball more. If Barnes can continue to get better as a primary ball handler, he can become a very high-impact player. Barnes has the ability to control the tempo of the game, and generate offensive production. Therefore, Barnes’ ball-handling development will be a big factor in how he progresses.
Barnes’ potential as a defender is also incredibly high. At 6’8 with a 7’2 wingspan and roughly 230 lbs, Barnes has the build to be an impactful 1-5 defender on the court. His ability to defend players on the post, and switch onto players on the perimeter is huge. As long as he stays disciplined and works on his lateral quickness, Barnes could be one of the better all-around defenders in the league.
The main area of his game that Barnes needs to work on is his shooting. For his career so far, Barnes is shooting 47% from the field and 29% from three. If Barnes can shot over 50% from the field, and 34-35% from three, he will see better success.
With trade talks revolving around players like Pascal Siakam all off-season, it seems like the Raptors are ready to pass the torch to their young nucleus. For Scottie Barnes, this can be just what he needs to gain the confidence and motivation. He needs to make a big third-year leap for this Toronto Raptors team.
