""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.""
""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.""
Scottie Barnes has evolved into an overwhelmingly active defensive force for the Raptors, converting previous strengths into expanded impact. He records elite counting stats — among the league leaders in steals, blocks, deflections, contested shots at the rim, and defensive distance traveled — and ranks as the only player with 30+ blocks and 30+ steals so far. Summer work focused on generating deflections and steals has increased his ability to create turnovers and initiate offense. His energetic, disruptive presence mirrors other high-effort rim protectors who accept foul risk while changing games through activity rather than pure size.
Read at Raptors Republic
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