Raptors’ rookie Scottie Barnes laughs off missed All-Star layups

The Toronto Raptors had plenty of representation during the first few days of All-Star Weekend. On top of the fact that Fred VanVleet was in the Three-Point Contest and the 1-2 punch of Precious Achiuwa and Scottie Barnes were in the Rising Stars Game, Barnes and G Leaguer Alex Antetokounmpo participated in the skills challenge.

In between the Rising Stars game and Skills Challenge came the Clutch Challenge, where young players had to recreate iconic shots from the 75 years of history the NBA has accrued. Barnes and Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey seemed like a natural fit for this challenge.

However, the Magic Johnson baby sky hook seemed to give both of these players problems. Not only did Maxey miss both of his attempts, but Barnes missed a staggering four baby hooks in a row. Rather than sulk about it, it looked like Barnes was able to laugh it off.

Barnes told Maxey that they “made people laugh” after their shooting flubs while suggesting that they may get some extra followers on social media as a result of this. Getting on Shaqtin’ A Fool is a rite of passage in the NBA, and it looks like that’s where Barnes and Maxey might be heading.

Toronto Raptors: Scottie Barnes messed up in the Clutch Challenge.

The rest of Barnes’ weekend was much more productive. Not only was he one of the most productive players on Gary Payton’s Rising Stars team before being knocked out by the eventual champions, but he was able to give his squad of rookies a chance to win the Skills Competition.

Although he lost to a team of Cavaliers led by Evan Mobley, Barnes was still able to put up one of the best dunks of the night thanks to a 360 slam. With a generally lackluster Slam Dunk contest, one has to wonder if Barnes would’ve held his own in that competition.

The nature of the social media machine means that Barnes is going to get roasted when he hops back online. That baby hook shot from just outside the restricted area has become one of his most trusted weapons in games that count, so he’ll make a few more of them.

Toronto may not have ended the last few days with any individual silverware in their possession, they did get to see their guys make some plays on one of the biggest stages in the game. Barnes can silence all of the trolls by resuming his Rookie of the Year campaign when play stars back up.