3 pivotal Masai Ujiri moves that made the Raptors a playoff team

1. Drafting Scottie Barnes over Jalen Suggs

When it happened, the initial reaction was shock. After listening to weeks of consistent Jalen Suggs propaganda, Raptors fans were initially caught off guard when Ujiri took Barnes and allowed the Gonzaga star to fall to Orlando. One year into their careers, it looks like Barnes is a much better choice.

Barnes is the first rookie since Luka Doncic to average over 15 points, seven rebounds, and three assists per game. Barnes has started every game for which he has been healthy, proving that the talent he houses was too lethal to be confined to a simple bench role during his rookie year.

Toronto Raptors star Scottie Barnes is outperforming Jalen Suggs.

Barnes might be third in the eyes of the NBA Rookie Ladder, but anyone who has taken the time to closely examine Raptors games this year can see that he is the best first-year player in the league. Meanwhile, Suggs has shot just 36% from the field and 21% from 3-point range in Orlando while struggling with injuries.

While Suggs will likely have a fine career with the Magic once he’s more developed and healthier next year, Barnes was clearly the right choice for Toronto. Ujiri’s scouting eye and propensity for unconventionality in the draft helped Barnes find a home in Canada.