Toronto Raptors: 3 position battles to watch this offseason

1. Scottie Barnes vs…everyone

The Raptors’ selection of Barnes wasn’t viewed as poor in the eyes of some skeptics because of his lack of potential, as he has all the tools to be an instant impact player on both ends. What made it a bit odd to some doubters was the fact that it might take some time to figure out where he is best suited in the NBA.

Barnes played point guard in college, has the height and handles of a wing that dominates possession, yet could even end up playing some power forward and center due to his wingspan. He’ll likely begin his Raptors career on the bench, but where he will make his first incision into the starting lineup remains unknown.

What position suits Toronto Raptors stud Scottie Barnes best?

Every player in this starting lineup should be looking over their shoulder at Barnes, as they would not have picked him No. 4 overall with the intent of making him a glue guy off of the bench. Look for Nurse to do a mad scientist impression, trying to stick Barnes in as many weird lineups as possible.

Even the players mentioned above should be eyeing Barnes. There’s a non-zero chance he gets backup PG minutes over Flynn and Dragic, all while potentially stealing power forward minutes from Boucher or Achiuwa. The possibilities are endless, and that’s exactly what is so exciting about him.