3 Raptors worth voting for as 2024 All-Stars despite rough overall record

1. Scottie Barnes

The Barnes All-Star hype train has already left the station. Between Kevin Pelton declaring Barnes not just an All-Star, but a possible starter over some truly elite names, the rest of the NBA is well aware of the fact that Toronto has one of the best in the league at their disposal right now.

Barnes is not only averaging 19.8 points per game, but he's doing so on 47% shooting overall and just under 38% from 3-point range. Barnes has provided 9.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game alongside his scoring in addition to both 1.7 steals and 1.2 blocks per game on the defensive end.

Toronto Raptors stud Scottie Barnes must be an All-Star.

The toughest part about Barnes' struggles is the fact that his numbers could be so much better. If he has more spacing, his scoring and assists would both shoot up immediately. The fact he's put up these numbers while splitting shots with Siakam in a bad offense should be even more impressive.

The Raptors may seem unaware of what direction they want to go in during the next few seasons due to their refusal to make a big trade, but one idea that has always remained constant around this team is the notion that Barnes is the centerpiece of their future. So far, their belief has been rewarded.