3 Raptors players who could contend for NBA Honors in 2022
By Mike Luciano
2. Scottie Barnes: All-Rookie First Team
Barnes might not be scoring as much as he did when everyone was hurt, but he is still playing a vital role on this team. His rookie of the year prospects remain strong, and the fact that he is now performing on a team that could make it to the postseason could help him get Rookie of the Year consideration over Franz Wagner and Cade Cunningham.
At the very least, Barnes should end up on the All-Rookie squad. The top five rookies are starting to separate from the rest of the pack. Barnes, Wagner, Cunningham, Evan Mobley, and Josh Giddey will likely end up comprising the First Team provided they keep up their current runs of form.
Toronto Raptors: Scottie Barnes is one of the best rookies in the NBA.
Barnes is averaging 14.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game despite being the fifth scoring option in the starting lineup, working on his 3-point shot, and playing in an offense that doesn’t let him dominate the ball. The Raptors are 17-15 in games in which Barnes has suited up.
Barnes is getting more comfortable with the finer points of the professional game with each new outing. While he might not have the gaudiest stats at the moment, Barnes’ ability to become a key playmaker on a potential playoff team at age 20 is deserving of every ounce of adulation heaped on him.