Toronto’s defense ranked among the league’s best, finishing fifth in defensive rating and fourth in points off turnovers. Scottie Barnes provided standout versatility, guarding any position and player. He recorded 116 total blocks and 114 total steals, with no other player reaching 100 in both categories. He also led the league in total clutch points. In the playoffs, he defended Evan Mobley, James Harden, and Donovan Mitchell. Barnes earned All-Defensive Second Team honors for the first time in six NBA seasons, which he appeared to view as a slight. The Raptors could benefit if he enters the next season motivated to prove himself.
"He's not wrong. The stats and the eye test both clearly position him as one of the most impactful and versatile defenders in the NBA. But there is a bright side for the Raptors: if he comes into next season with a vendetta and the desire to prove that he was snubbed, they will be even better defensively. Scottie Barnes is already a nightmare to go up against."
Read at Raptors Rapture
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]