Scottie Barnes, Darko Rajakovic, and the Toronto Raptors could do no wrong against the lowly Detroit Pistons, as their 142-113 win was someone not nearly as close as the scoreline indicated. Barnes did his part, putting up an insane +37 while amassing 17 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists in just 25 minutes.
The Raptors hired Rajakovic in large part due to his plan for this offense and how it would get the most out of Barnes. While he has a very promising skillset, it seems like Barnes is thriving under Rajakovic because the coaching staff has simplified their approach on the offensive end.
Rajakovic said that players who can be good at two or three things will have long careers and earn a few All-Star nominations, but players who think they can be good at four things will be out of the league expeditiously. This quote has framed his handling of Barnes and the positive results that followed.
Barnes looked like a jack of all trades and master of none at times under Nick Nurse, doing a little bit of everything without finding his niche to hone in on. The results speak for themselves, as Barnes has put up numbers that could end up with him getting an All-Star nod.
Darko on Barnes, paraphrased: If you're good at 1 thing, you're gonna have a good career. If you're good at 2 things, you're gonna be a really effective player. If you're good at three things, you're gonna be an All-Star. If you think you're good at four things? Out of the league
— (((Eric Koreen))) (@ekoreen) November 19, 2023
More Raptors news
- The Raptors set two franchise records in the win against Detroit. Not only did Toronto set a new team-best mark with 44 assists on their 55 made shots, but they also set a new record for points scored in a home game with 142. The Pistons are terrible, but the Raptors were uncommonly excellent.
- OG Anunoby was unwilling to discuss what actually happened in the household chores mishap that led to him missing Toronto’s loss against the Celtics. Anunoby, in his classic monotone style that never gives anything away, just continued to repeat “laceration” when pressed about what happened.
.@michaelgrange "The people want to know..."
— (((Eric Koreen))) (@ekoreen) November 20, 2023
OG: "Laceration, laceration."
OG isn't telling how he cut his finger, but said he was gushing blood and took five stitches. Said he felt it grabbing rim and on some catches, but he's getting better everyday.
NBA news
- The loss to the Raptors has Monty Williams searching for answers on why the Pistons have lost 11 straight games, so much so that he is blaming what happened last year. Williams said that he needs to “break habits have had for a while” to turn them into a success.
- LeBron James continued to defy father time in the Los Angeles Lakers’ late win against Fred VanVleet and the Houston Rockets. With 37 points, eight assists, and six rebounds just one month and change before he turns 39 years old, James is still very clearly the only reason LA is considered a title contender.
Will Rajakovic and Barnes keep the winning vibes going?