Scottie Barnes talks Raptors expectations after bumpy 2022-23
By Mike Luciano
The Toronto Raptors are trying to let optimism reign as the 2023-24 starts to kick into gear, as they are eyeing a postseason birth after the firing of Nick Nurse. Any success they have will be directly tied to the performance of sensational young forward/guard hybrid Scottie Barnes.
In an interview with CBC in which Barnes discussed his new condominium investment project, the Florida State alum offered some brief glimpses at what fans can expect in a season where expectations may not be that high. According to Barnes, some big goings-on are in the works.
“Expect great things from us,” Barnes said, via CBC. “Through the highs, through the lows, just bear with us and … I feel like we’re gonna do good things this year.” Let’s hope that Barnes has the gift of prophecy ahead of Darko Rajakovic’s first head coaching season.
Raptors star Scottie Barnes is the latest celeb to help design a Toronto condo. 🏗️https://t.co/65tzfRJUv3
— Chris Oliver Real Estate (@ChrisOliverRE) August 11, 2023
Scottie Barnes teases “great things” for Toronto Raptors in 2023-24
Barnes himself is going to be as important to this team’s success as any individual player, as Rajakovic hasn’t been shy about the fact that he is going to make him one of the team’s featured offensive players. The time for development is nearing an end, as Barnes needs to start scoring more often.
Barnes may end up as the starting point guard, which would allow Gary Trent Jr. to stay in the starting lineup at shooting guard alongside Anunoby, Siakam, and Jakob Poeltl. Given his passing skill and vision, he could be quite a natural fit for the position.
Toronto is currently a team no one believes in, as multiple media outlets have them winning just 36 games and giving away their lightly protected first-round draft pick to the Spurs due to the Poeltl trade. Barnes playing well could help alleviate many of the concerns that doubters have.
Barnes has always been a source of positive mojo on a Raptors team that seemed to be down in the dumps last season. He is driving the Rajakovic hype train, which might be enough to get this fanbase thinking positively after an offseason that left many supporters quite confused.