Scottie Barnes is rewriting Raptors history in a way never seen before

Scottie Barnes just added his name to the Raptors record books, and it is becoming harder to ignore what kind of player he is turning into.

Against the Denver Nuggets on March 20th, Barnes posted 15 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and two blocks. It marked his 46th game this season with at least one steal and one block, the most in franchise history.

The record is yet another display of the unique defensive value Scottie Barnes brings to the Raptors.

Scottie Barnes is truly a one-of-a-kind defender

Has there ever been a better defensive season by another Toronto Raptor?

Scottie Barnes is somehow, simultaneously, Toronto’s best rim protector and perimeter defender. He is widely expected to earn All-Defensive First Team honors, and is starting to generate real Defensive Player of the Year buzz.

On March 15th, Toronto had one of its most impressive wins of the season against the Detroit Pistons. Barnes opened the game guarding Detroit’s All-Star point guard Cade Cunningham. On the day he broke this record, he spent long stretches battling Nikola Jokic, a 284-pound center and arguably the best player in the world.

Even the best defenders in the league rarely have that level of versatility. Barnes displays that versatility every single night. 

Scottie Barnes is becoming a Raptors great before our very eyes

Barnes has not matched everything Kyle Lowry accomplished in a Raptors uniform, but he is climbing the all-time ranks very quickly.

He already ranks among the franchise leaders in points (9th), rebounds (8th), assists (8th), blocks (8th), and triple-doubles (2nd). He is also one of just six players in Raptors history to earn multiple All-Star selections with the team.

And he is only 24 years old.

Scottie Barnes is set to have a long career with the Toronto Raptors. This will not be the last record he breaks.