Raptors: Stock up, Stock down after messy, injury-filled week
By Mike Luciano
Stock down: Scottie Barnes
How can Barnes be in this category when he recorded the first triple-double of what should be many in his young career? The main reason stems from some very concerning performances against the Rockets and Thunder, as his offensive performance is worrying.
Barnes has averaged 11.0 points per game in the last three games, failing to make 40% of his shots in any of those games. In addition, those numbers were inflated thanks to a strong second half in the OKC blowout. Barnes’ defensive performance against the Thunder led to maybe the worst game of his career on that end.
Scottie Barnes has struggled for the Toronto Raptors.
Barnes’ finishing at the rim has been his biggest issue this year. While his 3-point percentage has gone up, showing that his improved jumper was no fluke, he is not as effective close to the basket. Toronto’s offense has often stalled out when he gets post touches.
On a general level, the Raptors shouldn’t be worried about Barnes. He’s still making plays, and the perimeter play is better offensively. However, Toronto needs the No. 4 overall pick to start playing as such. The passiveness and slow starts need to end as soon as possible.