3 things to watch for in busy final week of Raptors preseason
By Mike Luciano
1. More Scottie Barnes dominance
It’s the same old song and dance around Toronto, as the reinvigorated Barnes’ progress will be what this front office watched closer than any other development. Will he make good on his potential? That’s on him and Rajakovic to figure out an offensive scheme that features him prominently.
Even though Schroder may end up as the de facto starting point guard for this team, it is very clear that Barnes has matured physically and mentally to the point where Toronto can use him as a primary offensive option after two seasons of consistently taking a back seat.
Scottie Barnes will become a star for the Toronto Raptors.
The Raptors should use the next few games as a bit of a trial run for Barnes. If they’re confident he can execute what they will ask of him in game situations, why not see what he’s capable of? Let him bring the ball up, shoot like crazy, and try some of those Magic Johnson-esque passed he loves.
If the Raptors end up in the toilet record-wise, yet they get some indication that Barnes is on the doorstep of becoming a perennial All-Star in this league, Rajakovic’s debut season could easily be considered a success. Even the veterans are well aware of the fact it’s the Scottie Barnes show in Toronto.