Toronto Raptors: Handing out Summer League superlatives
By Mike Luciano
![LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 08: Malachi Flynn #22 of the Toronto Raptors drives against Miles McBride #2 of the New York Knicks during the 2021 NBA Summer League (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 08: Malachi Flynn #22 of the Toronto Raptors drives against Miles McBride #2 of the New York Knicks during the 2021 NBA Summer League (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e51de9011ba7016ba1a7e1c7c661caa305f4631defc791b36eeae41206463c29.jpg)
MVP: Scottie Barnes
Barnes also takes home our Best Defensive Player award, as this stint in Vegas showed off plenty of the skills that made him such a coveted prospect. Yes, the field goal percentage wasn’t amazing, but his two-way skills were under a microscope, and he passed almost every test with flying colors.
Barnes was third on the team in scoring, second in rebounding, all while leading the team in assists and blocks. Barnes’ playmaking was on full display, as his ability to charge to the rim and find teammates with some very impressive passes should get Raptors fans very excited.
Scottie Barnes finishes the breakaway jam to tie it up with 20 seconds to go on NBA TV! #NBASummer pic.twitter.com/pZlNp4zBYl
— NBA (@NBA) August 15, 2021
The Toronto Raptors have to be pleased with the play of Scottie Barnes.
Barnes went up against some tough competition, including No. 2 pick Jalen Green, No. 7 pick Jonathan Kuminga, and No. 11 pick James Bouknight. While all of these rookies had their moments, Barnes could be the most complete of the four when defense and passing are factored in.
Barnes may not be an impact scorer right away in the NBA, and he has yet to have that “Welcome to the NBA” moment all rookies inevitably end up experiencing, but he has been as good as advertised in Summer League play, and that could carry over to the regular season.
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