Toronto Raptors pressure meter: Which big names must step up?

Nick Nurse and the Toronto Raptors have hit a bit of a rough patch of late, losing three of their last four games and dropping two in a row against inferior competition in the Thunder and Pacers. The Pascal Siakam injury is the main reason for this downturn, but it’s far from the only problem.

The Raptors have seen their once-reliable defense get torn apart, as they have surrendered 250 points in the last two games. Even a win against the Rockets came down to the last few minutes. With poor 3-point shooting starting to erode what was once a promising start in that area, Toronto looks totally out of sorts.

There is plenty of blame to dish out, as the Raptors have enough talented players to take home wins while they’re compromised. The last week has been a tough stretch for the roster, and the standings could get very precarious, considering how deep the Eastern Conference is.

While the Raptors, as a collective entity, are underperforming, there are some names that have played a bigger role in this recent stretch of ineptitude than others. Which Raptors figures are under pressure and in need of some dominant performances to get back on the right track?

Toronto Raptors pressure meter: Which players are struggling?

3. Scottie Barnes

Let’s get one thing straight. In totality, Barnes is not playing terribly. He’s still a force on the glass, his passing is much improved, and he’s a solid shooter this year. However, the Raptors have to be a bit concerned with some of the performances he’s put on during the last few nights.

Barnes came into the loss against the Pacers shooting 39% in November, and his 4-16 night against Indiana showed that he is really in a funk when it comes to finishing at the rim. His improved shooting is being offset by an inability to be the same midrange specialist he was last year.

Toronto Raptors: Scottie Barnes must get back on track.

Defense is one area that is more legitimately concerning. While he can, in theory, defend all five positions, he’s having trouble defending any one of them lately. Lapses in off-ball defense and getting blown by with quick first steps are likely making Nurse’s head explode in the film room.

Development is never linear, and Barnes will assuredly get through this stretch. After all, his ankle might be bothering him. However, a player that thrived on being an efficient finisher suddenly becoming a chucker who lacks aggression is not what the Raptors want to see.

Pressure rating: Low to Medium