Should Scottie Barnes have made All-NBA?

The mid-range functions as a key problem-solving option in NBA playoffs because teams funnel opponents there and expect fewer points per possession over time. Many players forced into the middle struggle to read the floor, track teammates, and create playmaking advantages, which limits offensive impact. Barnes stands out for his ability to read defenses and solve them with strong basketball IQ. He shot 53% in the short mid-range against the Cavaliers while countering a paint-stuffing front court. His playoff rim assists per 100 possessions ranked at the 100th percentile, and his assist-to-touch ratio on drives was highest among high-volume drivers. His passing and improved skill set enabled him to more than double driving frequency from the regular season to the playoffs and become a top driver in the NBA.

"When it comes to problem solving in the NBA Playoffs, the mid-range is an extremely important release valve. For one, it's the part of the floor that teams funnel you to when they get beat as they know the numbers and have a reasonable expectation of a loss in points per possession over time. For two, it's because a lot of players who get funneled middle aren't great playmakers, and their inability to map the floor out, track their teammates, and playmake them into advantages is typically a true sore spot and stopping point offensively."

"Barnes shot 53-percent in the short mid-range against the Cavaliers, a big healthy chunk of innings eating and counter punching against a team that was stuffing the paint with a big front court. Why do I say counter punch? Well, because Barnes' mid-range shot making, unlike many others, isn't his most dangerous pursuit from the middle of the floor. In the playoffs, Barnes' 5.5 rim assists per 100 possessions was the 100th percentile."

"His 11.1 assist to touch ratio on drives was the highest among high volume drivers in the playoffs. There is nothing more valuable than a shot at the rim, and Barnes was delivering those looks in a greater fashion than any of his peers. Nothing short of wizardry. The maturation process of Barnes' game as he's slowly added skills to his repertoire has advanced enough for him to wield and weaponize his truly transcendent passing acumen against his opponents."

"So, when it came time, Barnes more than doubled his driving frequency from regular season to playoffs, launched himself in to the top 6 in driving volume in the NBA, and crushed defenses with it."

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