Toronto Raptors: 4 things we learned from Media Day quotes
By Mike Luciano
3. Scottie Barnes is going to play a ton of minutes.
Barnes’ rookie year was always going to be a curious case study. What position would he play? Would he be in the starting lineup or come off of the bench? What will he be asked to do on offense? Based on what Nurse said on Monday, Barnes is not going to be eased into action.
Nurse claims that Barnes will get a heavy dose of minutes by implying his role for this season is “going to be huge.” Nurse cited his improved shot mechanics, which he said “look really good” and all of the other reinforcements that he has made to his game during the offseason.
Nurse on Scottie Barnes: "His role is going to be huge."
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) September 27, 2021
Says he'll give the rookie as many minutes and shots as he can handle early. Thinks he's improved his shot ("the mechanics look really good") and skills over the offseason.
The Toronto Raptors will give Scottie Barnes a ton of reps.
We know that Barnes is going to make plays as a passer and defender as a rookie. Almost all of the questions surrounding him relate to how he can help out as a scorer and shooter. Nurse likely wouldn’t be so grandiose in his praise of Barnes if he wasn’t certain of the impact he could make.
Barnes will probably start his pro career as a reserve, but with Siakam nursing that bum shoulder, look for him to be on the floor often during the early bits of the season. They wouldn’t have used their highest draft pick in over a decade on him if they didn’t think he’s a cornerstone.