"How does this offence function without RJ Barrett or anyone else able to bend the defence to his rim attacks? How does this offence function when Ingram misses pull-up jumpers? How can Poeltl get healthy? What does the offence have when the tempo drags slow? These are important questions. And Toronto is about to face a much tougher stretch of schedule than it has since those first five games of the season."
"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."
"So, Barnes is not only creating a near league best amount of stocks (steals + blocks) - he's 2nd in the NBA - those juicy, definitive playmaking stats, but he's also near the top of the league in the quieter "this guy is doing stuff" stats. The correct read of Barnes' defense at first blush is very much: "this guy is doing stuff.""
Toronto's offense shows vulnerability without RJ Barrett's rim attacks and when Ingram struggles with pull-up shooting. Questions remain about Jakob Poeltl's health and how the offense performs when the tempo slows. A much tougher upcoming schedule will test those offensive and health concerns and require clearer answers. Scottie Barnes provides elite defensive playmaking and activity. He is the only NBA player with 30+ blocks and 30+ steals, ranks near the top in deflections, contested shots at the rim, and miles traveled on defense, and is second in combined steals and blocks.
Read at Raptors Republic
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