With his recent performance against the Miami Heat on November 29, where he recorded his first triple-double of the 2024-25 season, Barnes is rapidly ascending the ranks of Toronto's all-time greats.
By notching 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, he surpassed Pascal Siakam to claim the second spot in the Raptors' history for most career triple-doubles. This achievement sets the stage for him to chase down Kyle Lowry, the franchise's all-time leader, needing just 11 more triple-doubles to take over that coveted position.
Scottie Barnes is a triple-double machine
Sixth career triple-double for Scottie 👏 pic.twitter.com/iXSlNlaBcq
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) November 30, 2024
Lowry, known for his playmaking and unyielding competitive spirit, left an indelible mark on the Raptors franchise. For nearly a decade, he was the cornerstone of the team, orchestrating play as a do-it-all floor general.
While it would be bittersweet for Lowry's legacy to be overshadowed, the raw potential of Barnes suggests he could very well be the one to do it. His versatility, size, and innate ability to impact the game in multiple ways make him an ideal candidate to not only grab triple-doubles but redefine what success looks like for the Raptors in the years to come.
As we reflect on Lowry's contributions, it’s important to note that he will always hold a prominent place in Raptors history. He remains the all-time leader in steals and boasts other accolades that highlight his undeniable impact on the franchise. With that in mind, it positions Lowry as a strong candidate in discussions about the next Raptors legends whose jerseys deserve to be retired.
Yet, one can’t help but wonder what the future holds for Scottie Barnes. If he continues his current trajectory, the possibility of surpassing Lowry in triple-doubles could become a reality.
Barnes is on pace to become a Raptors legend
The numbers speak volumes: Barnes maintained an impressive 68% true shooting percentage against Miami, capitalizing on his opportunities from both the free-throw line and beyond the arc with great efficiency. Going 5-for-6 from the charity stripe and hitting 3-of-8 three-point attempts, Barnes showcased his wide-ranging skillset that allows him to contribute to every facet of the game.
In a previous article, we explored the idea of a "Scottie Barnes curse". Here's another unfortunate statistic surrounding Mr. Barnes: his Toronto Raptors hold a record of 1-5 in games where he achieves a triple-double. However, this statistic should be interpreted with caution, as it often reflects the unpredictable nature of basketball rather than individual performance.
Barnes's game mirrors that of a traditional guard while blending the physicality of a forward. His ability to facilitate ball movement from the high post or even playmaking deep in the paint is impressive for someone of his stature. He repeatedly asserts his will on the boards, often sacrificing his body to secure rebounds.
Put simply, when Scottie Barnes is in the zone, he becomes a nightmare matchup for opponents. On top of that, he serves as a vessel of positive vibes for his teammates and the Raptors franchise as a whole.
While it is uncertain whether Barnes will surpass Lowry in this statistical category as quickly as this season or next, one thing is clear—it is within reach. With the right mindset and continued development, it’s not hard to envision a reality where Barnes eventually takes over Lowry's spot in Raptors' lore. Each triple-double he secures brings him closer to solidifying his legacy within the franchise and annals of NBA greatness at large.
His blend of skills, tenacity, and basketball IQ provides a tantalizing glimpse of a player capable of achieving greatness on par with the best to ever wear a Raptors jersey.