3 Raptors who earned untouchable status this season
By Will Eudy
Scottie Barnes
This should be the most obvious name on the list. After a breakout third season in Toronto, Scottie Barnes has not only cemented himself as an untouchable player going forward, but he has firmly established himself as the Raptors' franchise player for the foreseeable future.
The "third-year leap" is a phenomenon we see with a lot of star players in the NBA, and many questioned whether Scottie was truly the type of star that could have a lasting impact on a franchise. But after the 2023-24 season, it is clear that he has everything necessary to be the captain of the Raptors' ship.
Earning his first career All-Star appearance this season, Barnes proved that his 2021-22 Rookie of the Year selection was no fluke. He has been showing off his capability offensive and versatility on defense all season, being the brightest shining star on a lottery-bound team.
Scottie made statistical improvements in virtually every category this season. He is averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, steals, free throw percentage and three-point percentage. Barnes has become the foundation Toronto will seek to build on for years to come, and he has earned his way into the highest of the untouchable ranks.