3 Raptors who have improved the most in 2021-22 season

2. Scottie Barnes

While Barnes hit the ground running as soon as he arrived in the pros, he still wasn’t the crispest offensive player in the world in terms of creating his own shot. After arriving in the pros a bit raw out of Florida State, Barnes has become one of the best young two-way players in the league.

Barnes is already averaging slightly over 15 points per game despite not being the best 3-point shooter at this point. Barnes is looking more confident as a passer, finisher, and leader. Getting that type of production from someone who just turned 20 is a dream scenario for Toronto.

Toronto Raptors: Scottie Barnes looks much better than he did at FSU

While Barnes had been lauded for his sublime on-ball defense, he’s making fewer off-ball mistakes as the season goes on. With Malachi Fynn hurt, Barnes is one of Toronto’s most reliable options at the backup point guard spot. That’s uncommonly productive for a 20-year-old.

Barnes was billed as such a raw prospect that the idea of taking him over Jalen Suggs sounded like heresy just days before the draft. Barnes has wasted no time proving the doubters wrong. A strong finish to the year should both improve his Rookie of the Year odds and improve his stock for next year.