3 goals for the Toronto Raptors in the remaining preseason games
By Mike Luciano
1. Try Scottie Barnes at point guard
This is supposed to be the time for experimentation (within reason), right? The Raptors seem willing to run a traditional-adjacent lineup with Dennis Schroder handling the ball, but they need to lean into what Barnes can do as a playmaker.
Even without playing as the point guard in the Sacramento game, Barnes’ ability to make things happen as a creator was on display. The aggressiveness getting to the rim appears to have transferred over to the new scheme, but will his improved playmaking talents?
The Toronto Raptors must put their trust in Scottie Barnes.
Athletic 6-8 forwards who can defend multiple positions are a dime a dozen in the NBA. What made Barnes such a tremendous talent at Florida State was the passing skill, and it would be a disservice to both the roster and the fanbase if Scottie isn’t being groomed to take over primary playmaking duties.
Schroder can be a solid short-term fix who can help the rest of a very young team adapt to Rajakovic’s schemes. However, Barnes was likely drafted with the intention of being a primary playmaker at some point. The sooner Rajakovic kicks that process into high gear, the better.