Scottie Barnes: A Team Player
TORONTO — Scottie Barnes is certainly not one to chase statistics.
He contributes significantly across the board, boasting impressive totals in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals—a rarity in the NBA. Yet, his primary focus seems to be on securing victories rather than personal accolades.
However, as the Raptors’ season comes to a close, Barnes may not be pleased with the narrative his stats portray. In a recent loss to the Portland Trail Blazers (112-103), he recorded only two successful shots out of eight and failed to hit any of his three-point attempts, bringing his shooting percentage from beyond the arc to just 14.3% over the last six games, along with a 33.3% mark overall.
Barnes deserves recognition for his commitment. With only five games remaining, he could easily rest, especially given the Raptors are officially out of play-in contention. Despite being listed as questionable due to a right-hand MCP joint contusion, he opted to play.
Notably, even as teammates frequently sit out, Barnes has participated in 36 of the last 38 games, with his hand injury affecting him during play. “It (bothers me) a lot when I’m shooting, it hurts at times… but the legs work perfectly fine, so I’m ready to go,” he stated after the game.
Despite having missed significant time earlier in the season due to injuries, Barnes’ desire to play reflects his dedication. He emphasizes that every game contributes to growth and teamwork, asserting, “Every game is useful. Keep learning and keep getting better.”
Future Outlook for Barnes
While Barnes recognizes his need to improve his shooting, his willingness to play through pain could be pivotal for his potential as a franchise cornerstone. Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic supports this approach, noting that gaining experience now will serve the team well in the coming months.
