Scottie Barnes has already proven he can handle plenty of responsibility, but the best version of him may be one who does not have to carry that burden alone. With the Toronto Raptors adding Brandon Ingram into the fold, they are beginning to craft an offensive structure that plays to Barnes' strengths rather than asking him to operate as something he is not. It is a shift that could go a long way in helping the young wing elevate his game to new heights.
The past couple of seasons showed what happens when Barnes is placed in a role where he is tasked with doing quite a bit. Although his numbers have improved across the board, there were still clear stretches where the Raptors' offense looked disjointed.
Barnes can score, pass and push the pace in transition, but when teams loaded up on him or forced him into isolation looks, it sometimes led to inefficient possessions. Now, with Ingram and Immanuel Quickley able to shoulder the majority of the on-ball creation, Barnes can settle into more of an offensive connector role, where he excels most naturally.
Barnes won't have to be a primary shot creator
Ingram gives Toronto a go-to option on the wing who can get to his spots and generate points at all three levels. Meanwhile, Quickley brings a steady hand in the backcourt with his growing pick-and-roll chops and a reliable jumper. Those two alone are enough to command defensive attention, and that will allow Barnes to work within the flow of the offense, rather than forcing him to create something out of nothing too often.
This is also going to be important for Barnes’ shot selection. With better spacing and more creators around him, he should be able to get cleaner looks and focus on high-percentage finishes around the rim or rhythm threes off ball movement. There is a chance that this version of Barnes ends up being far more effective than one who is tasked with 18 to 20-plus shot attempts a night.
It also helps that the Raptors now have a more defined identity taking shape. The roster is beginning to round into form, and the pieces around Barnes complement him better than at any point in his career. That should not only lighten the load for him, but also allow his natural feel for the game to come through even more clearly.
Toronto is not asking Barnes to be the franchise's savior. They are simply building the conditions where he can play his game, and that's often how stars find a way to reach the next level.