Raptors news: Steve Francis challenges Scottie Barnes, Siakam snubbed

In the eyes of many, reigning Toronto Raptors Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes didn’t meet the lofty expectations that hovered over his head coming into the season. Many of his numbers, including points per game, rebounds, and field goal percentage, have all dropped off.

His offensive struggles continued on Friday when he scored six points against one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference in the 7-20 Orlando Magic. The Magic defeated the Raptors 109-113. That was the third time Barnes scored six or fewer points this season. The Raptors’ record fell to 13-13.

His recent poor run of form has some NBA legends starting to give him some lessons, even if it might be slightly pointed.

Former NBA point guard Steve Francis offered some advice to Barnes amid his struggles, according to Daily Hive’s Adam Laskaris. Francis said he faced scrutiny early in his career after the whole Grizzlies trade debacle, but he says it helped him become a leader Barnes may not be.

“It has to be in you to be the leader of the team,” Francis said. “After all the scrutiny I faced in Vancouver, I took it upon myself to try to work that much harder to be much better and the results were shown on the court.” Hopefully, Barnes finds the aggression he needs to become a long-term star in this league.

More Raptors News

• Pascal Siakam didn’t land a spot on the latest Kia MVP Ladder by NBA.com. This season, he is averaging 24.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game, but didn’t make it on the list and wasn’t an honorable mention either. Injuries will do that to you. Jayson Tatum grabbed the number one spot on the list.
• The Raptors were ranked 18 on NBA.com’s latest power rankings. They were ranked below the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets, two teams they will play during their next six-game stretch. Toronto was one spot below the Dallas Mavericks and one spot above the Los Angeles Lakers.

NBA News

• Zion Williamson threw down a disgusting 360 windmill dunk that looked like something out of a dunk contest with less than 4 seconds remaining in the New Orleans Pelicans 128-117 win against the Phoenix Suns. Williamson put up 35 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
• The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in a game that went to overtime 133-122. LeBron James and Anthony Davis returned to the lineup after missing their last game against the Raptors in Toronto. Joel Embiid finished the game with 38 points and 12 rebounds.