Raptors odds: Scottie Barnes has already improved his ROY chances

The Toronto Raptors might not have played a ton of winning basketball to start the season, but they can at least look to the performance of rookie sensation Scottie Barnes if they want to put a smile on their face. Barnes has been arguably the best player for this team in 2021, and the latest Raptors odds are reflecting that.

Barnes came into the league with some questions. Not only was the No. 4 overall pick considered a bit rawer when compared to players like Jalen Suggs, who came off the board one pick later to the Orlando Magic, but outside observers wondered how many minutes he would be given early in his career.

Not only has Barnes been given a starring role, but he’s hit his stride immediately, averaging 17.0 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. The same media talking heads and sportsbooks that doubted how well Barnes would perform as a rookie are now starting to respect his ROY case.

Barnes, who came into the season with the same Rookie of the Year odds as Alperen Sengun at +1200, has risen all the way to +550 (bet $100 to win $550). Jalen Green (+210) and Cade Cunningham (+375) remain the favorites, while Suggs’ inconsistent start has helped him fall to +1000.

All odds come courtesy of WynnBET.

Raptors odds: Scottie Barnes is improving his Rookie of the Year case.

Barnes is second among rookies in scoring. Only 24-year-old Pacers guard Chris Duarte, whom Barnes bested in Toronto’s victory on Wednesday, ranks ahead of him. Barnes is also leading second among rookies in rebounds, as No. 3 pick Evan Mobley is the only player outclassing Barnes in this area.

Barnes has been tasked with some extremely important defensive assignments alongside OG Anunoby this year. For the most part, he’s handled himself fairly well, using his aggression and tireless motor to create disruption and prevent his matchup from taking over the game.

While Barnes hasn’t been a dominant shooter yet, as he has just one 3-pointer made on the season so far, that’s hardly a reason to criticize his game or devalue what he’s done so far. He’s been spectacular, and the decision-makers over in Las Vegas finally seem to be realizing that idea.

Make your pick now on WynnBET.

The Raptors took on Barnes as a toolsy athletic project out of Florida State, but they’ve since seen him blossom into a legitimate two-way player in the NBA from the very second he showed up. As improbable as a Rookie of the Year nomination may have sounded earlier in the season, Barnes is going everything he can to stay in the hunt.