3 realistic goals for Raptors’ Scottie Barnes in 2023-24 season

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 03: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 03: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
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Toronto Raptors
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 26: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

1. Make the All-Star team

This sounds lofty, but making a seemingly seismic leap to stardom in his third season has become relatively commonplace among Top 5 picks who are empowered on their respective teams. Barnes needs to step on the gas pedal offensively to reach this mark, but we’ve seen crazier things happen.

Not only will Barnes need to hit all of the prior achievements listed, but his scoring would likely need to be in the 18-20 points per game range even to get consideration for such an elusive spot. Toronto will also need to be at or above .500 to help Barnes beat out role players on contending teams.

Will Toronto Raptors star Scottie Barnes make an All-Star team?

It’s fair to say that Barnes not making an All-Star team with the Raptors would be a very disappointing development, especially with how quickly he shot out of the game in the NBA. The Rising Stars game isn’t good enough. Why not pick up that first appearance this season, especially when he will be given a very long leash?

The Raptors have done a fine job of developing Barnes so far, as they balanced the need for giving him room to make mistakes with their desire to make him adapt to a defined role. However, given how the Raptors are not expected to contend this season, they need to give Barnes the ball and get out of his way.