Raptors: 3 players who must step up without Chris Boucher

1. Scottie Barnes

While Barnes wasn’t hot from 3-point range in this game, he did just about everything you could ask of a rookie in his first preseason game. Scoring 13 points and dishing out six assists proves his quality as a finisher and passer, while nine rebounds, two steals, and two blocks show that he is adept at making plays as a defender.

Barnes figured to be a reserve to start this season, but it looks like he may end up getting moved into a starting role. While they could stick him at power forward or move him to the wing in the name of getting OG Anunoby more reps in the paint, the Boucher injury had given Barnes a chance to catapult his NBA stock into the stratosphere.

Scottie Barnes could see a bump in production for the Toronto Raptors.

Boucher is a very unique player to replace, as the slender big’s shooting, shot-blocking, and basketball feel are tough to replicate. Barnes might not bring the 3-point shot at this point in time, but he’ll keep the offense as free-flowing and dynamic as Boucher would’ve while flexing his defensive muscles.

Barnes came to Toronto with some skepticism, but he has done nothing but hit home runs since he got here. With a bubbly personality that makes him impossible to hate, Barnes could make himself a sensation with the Raptors by hopping right into the starting lineup and filling in for Boucher on both ends.