3 Raptors players who are standing out in tough second half

1. Scottie Barnes

Barnes didn’t end the first half on the best note, as he found it difficult to get the diet of shots that he needed. With so many players out, Barnes has risen to the occasion in such a dominant fashion that it has reignited his Rookie of the Year campaign despite the losing.

Barnes, who had the game of his life in a 28-point, 16-rebound affair against the Nets, is averaging 18.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game since the All-Star break. In that Nets domination, Barnes connected on his first 11 shots. He continues to mature before our very eyes.

Scottie Barnes may bring the Toronto Raptors a Rookie of the Year Award.

Barnes has been a monster on the offensive glass while finishing at the rim at his usual above-average rate. If he starts integrating his 3-point shot back into his usual bag of tricks, he should have no issue sustaining this production as the season progresses.

Cade Cunningham is putting up some gaudy numbers of his own while Evan Mobley is helping the Cavs secure their playoff future, but Barnes is right there with them. One or two more strong weeks in conjunction with some Raptors wins might be enough to get Barnes back on top of the ROY ladder.