3 very bold second half predictions for the Toronto Raptors
By Mike Luciano
2. Scottie Barnes will overtake Evan Mobley in the ROY race
Barnes is starting to lose his grip on the Rookie of The Year award, as the continued individual and team success from Mobley and the Cavaliers has the tides starting to turn in his favor. Scottie needs to take matters into his own hands to hold off Mobley in this race.
Barnes may have struggled against Atlanta due to foul trouble, but he was able to set a new career-high during the defeat against Charlotte. When the Raptors lean on Barnes as a part of the offensive game plan, he generally has some very encouraging results.
Scottie Barnes will need to step up for the Toronto Raptors.
The Anunoby injury might force Toronto to lean on Barnes in the same way they did when Pascal Siakam was injured earlier in the season. In that time, Barnes averaged 17.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game while making over half of his shots. That sort of production is what he needs to jump over Mobley.
Barnes will also need to help the Raptors get into the postseason if he wants to knock off Mobley given Cleveland’s terrific 2021-22 season. If he accomplishes that goal, deciding which of the two had a more impactful season could be a complete flip of the coin.