"However, the tape did not lie about Barnes. He has translated so much of what he did well last season and expanded on it this season. If he was a defensive playmaker before, he is a supercharged version now. If he was a quiet helper before, obscuring driving lanes with his presence, he's now become a loud subwoofer, booming and vibrating constantly as a reminder to everyone to be aware of him."
"Barnes is putting up massive numbers. He is the sole NBA player with 30+ blocks and 30+ steals so far this season. Some even come in the game saving variety. He's even in the top 10 in deflections per game. On top of all of this, Barnes is also in the top 25 in the NBA in shots contested at the rim. In that grouping, he's one of 3 non-centers. He's also top 10 in miles traveled on defense."
Scottie Barnes produced prolonged elite defensive performance even during a losing season and then expanded that impact into the following season. His defensive role transformed from a quiet helper into an aggressive, disruptive presence that alters opponent decisions and shot attempts. Barnes accumulated uncommon counting stats for a non-center, including 30+ blocks and 30+ steals, high deflection totals, top-25 contested shots at the rim, and heavy defensive mileage. Several plays rose to game-saving significance. The combination of instincts, physicality, and activity made Barnes one of the league's most influential defensive playmakers.
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