The Toronto Raptors will “look to extend” forward Scottie Barnes during the offseason, according to HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto. Barnes is coming off a career season, earning his first All-Star selection in 2023-24. Indeed, with the Raptors trading away Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, the pathway has been cleared for the 22-year-old to be the undisputed face of the franchise.
Raptors Will ‘Look to Extend’ Scottie Barnes This Offseason
In 2023-24, a more aggressive Barnes averaged 20.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game. He didn’t quite take advantage of the Siakam and Anunoby trades though. Both players were moved by Jan. 17. After that date, Barnes averaged 19.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game.
However, Barnes producing less after the trades was in large part due to the point-forward trying to make newcomers RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley comfortable. Two volume scorers, both Barrett and Quickley need the ball in their hands to be at their best. To that end, Barrett averaged 14.5 field goal attempts per contest and Quickley averaged 14.3 field goal attempts per contest in the games that they played with Barnes. Meanwhile, Barnes averaged 15.4 field attempts per game.
The parity in the pecking order isn’t necessarily problematic as Barnes, Barrett, and Quickley have different styles and strengths. Furthermore, building team is a process that requires sacrifice. Nonetheless, whether Barnes is the No. 1 option of No. 1A, he has to keep his foot on the pedal. This is not only because of his ascension in the Raptors’ ranks but to live up to his status as a top-five draft pick.
(Note: The stats mentioned above don’t factor his last game, as an injury forced him off the floor after fewer than 16 minutes of playing time.)
Supermax Scottie
If Barnes wants a supermax extension down the line, he can’t rest on his laurels.
After winning Rookie of the Year and being the first player in his draft class to be named an All-Star, he’s already ahead of the curve. Yet, order to be eligible for a supermax contract, Barnes has to win MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, or be named an All-NBA selection. He has the potential to be any one of those due to his all-around ability. Now, he has to prove that he has the mentality.
For Barnes, this means continuing to diversify his scoring package. Right now, his bag mostly consists of drives and hook shots. He’s also confident beyond the arc. However, improving his footwork and touch should increase his effectiveness in the post. Working on his pull-up jumper would make him that much harder to guard off-the-dribble, particularly if he’s attacking the soft spots in the defense.
Indeed, Barnes needs to sharpen up his jump shot in general. In 2023-24, he shot 34.1 percent from 3, including 38.5 percent on catch-and-shoot 3s. However, he converted just 17.5 percent of his pull-up 3s and 39.2 percent of his pull-up 2s.
