The Ringer: The Scottie Barnes Revolution Is Under Way in Toronto

[DG88]

On Scottie

Toronto architects Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster used that fourth pick to select Scottie Barnes, a tantalizing Swiss Army knife out of Florida State who has spent his first professional month helping the rebooted Raptors to a 6-6 start—and convincing anyone watching that he’s got a chance to be special.

Don’t just take my word for it, though. Ask somebody who’s got a pretty good sense of what “special” looks like.


Kevin Durant isn’t the only one Barnes has impressed in the early going. Coming out of Florida State, talent evaluators expected Barnes to be a ready-made defender and complementary playmaker (2.6 assists per game, sixth in the rookie class, and 6.7 potential assists a night, which ranks fifth) at the next level. His scoring touch, though, has been something of a revelation: After averaging 10.3 points per game in the ACC last season, Barnes has come out of the gates firing, averaging a Class of ’21–best 17 points per game on 53.3 percent shooting.

On the Raptors play:

Toronto’s path back to the postseason begins on the defensive end, because despite Anunoby’s advancements, Barnes’s breakout, and an excellent start to primary point guard duty for Fred VanVleet—averaging 18.7 points on 37.8 percent 3-point shooting and a career-high 7.1 assists per game while leading the league in minutes played—the offense remains a work in progress. Case in point: Wednesday’s 104-88 loss in Boston, in which Toronto shot 6-for-24 from distance, got just 15 points from its bench had nearly as many turnovers (18) as assists (20), and never led once.

This was to be expected. Cracking open opponents’ paint-packing coverages will always be tough when you play lineups featuring multiple players who don’t shoot from outside; Barnes has attempted just 10 3-pointers in 10 games, and the center tandem of Precious Achiuwa and Khem Birch, while an improvement over last season’s disastrous Aron Baynes–Alex Len duo, offers zero stretch. Doing it while spacers are struggling with their shot—Gary Trent Jr. has missed two-thirds of his triples, and Chris Boucher’s just 6-for-33 from deep—is even tougher.

Managing it all without Siakam, the team’s leading scorer in the previous two seasons, promised to be downright brutal. The Raptors have consistently struggled to generate quality looks against set defenses, ranking just 25th in points scored per play in the half court, according to Cleaning the Glass.

https://www.theringer.com/nba/2021/11/11/22776454/scottie-barnes-toronto-raptors-improvement

[JShuttlesworth]

Good read, thanks for sharing.

Scottie has been a treat to watch early on, and I think he has a chance to be one of the best Raptors to ever lace them up.

[HomieOmey]

I was expecting to see more playmaking at this point to be honest, but his scoring and rebounding definitely blind-sided me. Supposedly he shows statistical promise as a future playmaker, which is encouraging if we really hope him and FVV to work as a duo. Them calling him a complimentary playmaker, however, does suggest they don't see him as a primary one either.

[Bruin]

I was expecting to see more playmaking at this point to be honest, but his scoring and rebounding definitely blind-sided me. Supposedly he shows statistical promise as a future playmaker, which is encouraging if we really hope him and FVV to work as a duo. Them calling him a complimentary playmaker, however, does suggest they don't see him as a primary one either.

Only so much playmaking can be done with how much he has the ball in his hands. He’s shown some nice playmaking flashes and is averaging 2.6 APG (4 APG in the last 3 games). As he gets more comfortable he’ll show even more

[Madhouse]

I was expecting to see more playmaking at this point to be honest, but his scoring and rebounding definitely blind-sided me. Supposedly he shows statistical promise as a future playmaker, which is encouraging if we really hope him and FVV to work as a duo. Them calling him a complimentary playmaker, however, does suggest they don't see him as a primary one either.

It looks like he is trying to take care of the ball first. He had 2 6 turnover games in his first 4 games, done a better job lately. All these rookies have to figure out what they can get away with.

[HomieOmey]

I was expecting to see more playmaking at this point to be honest, but his scoring and rebounding definitely blind-sided me. Supposedly he shows statistical promise as a future playmaker, which is encouraging if we really hope him and FVV to work as a duo. Them calling him a complimentary playmaker, however, does suggest they don't see him as a primary one either.

Only so much playmaking can be done with how much he has the ball in his hands. He’s shown some nice playmaking flashes and is averaging 2.6 APG (4 APG in the last 3 games). As he gets more comfortable he’ll show even more

I don't know, I'm just not getting the complete point-forward vibe I was sold. If he was more of the "PG" he was advertised to be, I think he would have shown more of that by now. There's been opportunity. I've seen some nice flashes of court vision; I've seen some great passes. But I've never felt like he was controlling the tempo or really looking to get guys going. Feels like he's developing more like a Kawhi/Derozan/Tatum than a Simmons/Draymond/Jokic in terms of his playmaking. Maybe I'm completely alone there, but I don't even mean it as a negative since he's already shown so much with his consistent defence, scoring, and rebounding.

NBA.com wrote:

For a forward who excels as a creator on the perimeter, he's not all that comfortable working out of the post. He can still pass with his back to the basket, but he doesn't have an array of post moves to get a bucket.

Am I alone feeling much more confident that he will score than assist once he's down low right now?

[Los_29]

I was expecting to see more playmaking at this point to be honest, but his scoring and rebounding definitely blind-sided me. Supposedly he shows statistical promise as a future playmaker, which is encouraging if we really hope him and FVV to work as a duo. Them calling him a complimentary playmaker, however, does suggest they don't see him as a primary one either.

Only so much playmaking can be done with how much he has the ball in his hands. He’s shown some nice playmaking flashes and is averaging 2.6 APG (4 APG in the last 3 games). As he gets more comfortable he’ll show even more

I don't know, I'm just not getting the complete point-forward vibe I was sold. If he was more of the "PG" he was advertised to be, I think he would have shown more of that by now. There's been opportunity. I've seen some nice flashes of court vision; I've seen some great passes. But I've never felt like he was controlling the tempo or really looking to get guys going. Feels like he's developing more like a Kawhi/Derozan/Tatum than a Simmons/Draymond/Jokic in terms of his playmaking. Maybe I'm completely alone there, but I don't even mean it as a negative since he's already shown so much with his consistent defence, scoring, and rebounding.

NBA.com wrote:

For a forward who excels as a creator on the perimeter, he's not all that comfortable working out of the post. He can still pass with his back to the basket, but he doesn't have an array of post moves to get a bucket.

Am I alone feeling much more confident that he will score than assist once he's down low right now?

Jokic and Draymond weren't getting high assist numbers in their first couple of years in the league. I do agree with you though in that I don't see Barnes as a primary ball handler unless he dramatically improves his handles. With that said, he's clearly shown the ability to play in transition, create plays for himself and others and he can do some things at his size that just not many players can do. He's quite unique in that regard.

[Madhouse]

I was expecting to see more playmaking at this point to be honest, but his scoring and rebounding definitely blind-sided me. Supposedly he shows statistical promise as a future playmaker, which is encouraging if we really hope him and FVV to work as a duo. Them calling him a complimentary playmaker, however, does suggest they don't see him as a primary one either.

Only so much playmaking can be done with how much he has the ball in his hands. He’s shown some nice playmaking flashes and is averaging 2.6 APG (4 APG in the last 3 games). As he gets more comfortable he’ll show even more

I don't know, I'm just not getting the complete point-forward vibe I was sold. If he was more of the "PG" he was advertised to be, I think he would have shown more of that by now. There's been opportunity. I've seen some nice flashes of court vision; I've seen some great passes. But I've never felt like he was controlling the tempo or really looking to get guys going. Feels like he's developing more like a Kawhi/Derozan/Tatum than a Simmons/Draymond/Jokic in terms of his playmaking. Maybe I'm completely alone there, but I don't even mean it as a negative since he's already shown so much with his consistent defence, scoring, and rebounding.

NBA.com wrote:

For a forward who excels as a creator on the perimeter, he's not all that comfortable working out of the post. He can still pass with his back to the basket, but he doesn't have an array of post moves to get a bucket.

Am I alone feeling much more confident that he will score than assist once he's down low right now?

I don't think he will ever be a PG. His future is at PF and as a secondary playmaker imo. He might learn it but I'm not betting on it how to run really an offense as a PG. I'm not sure what you were sold but Barnes has always been a great passer and high IQ decision maker. I think Draymond is a solid comparison as a passer. Jokic is the best passing big man I've ever seen, so that comparison seems lofty. Eventually I see him bringing the ball up especially in transition, getting it on the perimeter and post making passes, have relatively high assist numbers in his prime but I don't see him ever becoming a natural point guard.

[HomieOmey]

Jokic and Draymond weren't getting high assist numbers in their first couple of years in the league. I do agree with you though in that I don't see Barnes as a primary ball handler unless he dramatically improves his handles. With that said, he's clearly shown the ability to play in transition, create plays for himself and others and he can do some things at his size that just not many players can do. He's quite unique in that regard.

Yeah, I never watched Jokic, Draymond, or Pippen early in their careers, so I'm perhaps expecting too much in a rookie season. Loving every bit of the kid so far, just not at all what I expected based on the way he was talked about!

[HomieOmey]

I don't think he will ever be a PG. His future is at PF and as a secondary playmaker imo. He might learn it but I'm not betting on it how to run really an offense as a PG. I'm not sure what you were sold but Barnes has always been a great passer and high IQ decision maker. I think Draymond is a solid comparison as a passer. Jokic is the best passing big man I've ever seen, so that comparison seems lofty. Eventually I see him bringing the ball up especially in transition, getting it on the perimeter and post making passes, have relatively high assist numbers in his prime but I don't see him ever becoming a natural point guard.

NBA.com:

In Scottie Barnes, the Raptors selected a point guard in the body of a power forward. At 6-foot-9, 225 pounds with a 7-foot-2 wingspan out of Florida State, the 19-year-old is the most unique prospect in this draft class with elite playmaking ability...

NBADRAFT.net:

He handles the ball well and can run the point as well as post up down low against bigger defenders … great passer for a combo forward

NBAdraftroom:

He spends most of his minutes running the point for FSU, showing off his elite passing vision and feel for the game.

[MikeM]

Barnes' biggest matchup advantage will always be at PG because he can guard them but they can't guard him. If his handle and shooting develop enough, I think that's his most advantageous position. He's already putting guys his own height in the basket, imagine PGs.

[Madhouse]

I don't think he will ever be a PG. His future is at PF and as a secondary playmaker imo. He might learn it but I'm not betting on it how to run really an offense as a PG. I'm not sure what you were sold but Barnes has always been a great passer and high IQ decision maker. I think Draymond is a solid comparison as a passer. Jokic is the best passing big man I've ever seen, so that comparison seems lofty. Eventually I see him bringing the ball up especially in transition, getting it on the perimeter and post making passes, have relatively high assist numbers in his prime but I don't see him ever becoming a natural point guard.

NBA.com:

In Scottie Barnes, the Raptors selected a point guard in the body of a power forward. At 6-foot-9, 225 pounds with a 7-foot-2 wingspan out of Florida State, the 19-year-old is the most unique prospect in this draft class with elite playmaking ability...

NBADRAFT.net:

He handles the ball well and can run the point as well as post up down low against bigger defenders … great passer for a combo forward

NBAdraftroom:

He spends most of his minutes running the point for FSU, showing off his elite passing vision and feel for the game.

Hmm okay, but that's not really what I watched from Barnes in college (watched every game in full length). He's a great passer and has a great vision but that's different than being a point guard.

[CANsportsguru]

I was expecting to see more playmaking at this point to be honest, but his scoring and rebounding definitely blind-sided me. Supposedly he shows statistical promise as a future playmaker, which is encouraging if we really hope him and FVV to work as a duo. Them calling him a complimentary playmaker, however, does suggest they don't see him as a primary one either.

His favorite player was Magic Johnson growing up and he watched a lot of film trying to model his game after him. His play making is a lot better than what we've seen just from what I've seen from his college games. It will come.

[NBA Sheady]

Good read, thanks for sharing.

Scottie has been a treat to watch early on, and I think he has a chance to be one of the best Raptors to ever lace them up.

He was tied with Stoudamire for most points as a rookie. Stoudamire was very close to his fully developed game as a rookie. Scottie has no moves, no fakes, no offensive polish whatsoever. He's getting points on effort, smarts and absurd physical attributes.

Stoudamire at year 1 is very comparable to his year 5.
Scottie's game will be unrecognizable in 5 years.

Or I smoke too much to remember how much Stoudamire improved. But his portland years weren't even as productive as his rookie year.

[Raptors_128]

The faster we commit to Scottie being the franchise player, the faster we’ll get to actually contending for a championship imo.

[PhilBlackson]

Said it on draft night....

The 2Hottie Era has begun! lol

[GM89]

Eventually throughout the season it's going to get more and more obvious that the offense needs to run through Scottie. Right now we are doing our due diligence letting OG stretch his wings (looked like Kawai Jr against Indiana and New York) and trying to get the rust off Pascal.

We could probably squeeze out more wins if the starting lineup remained VV, Svi, Trent, OG, and Birch but the organizations has to take a long term look at how Pascal, OG, and Barnes fit together.

Honestly I feel like Masai just wants the team to play like Philly did against us during the 2019 playoffs but to get those mismatches we need Barnes to be the fulltime PG and a 7ft Centre that's good defensively and respectable offensively (Deandre Ayton). I think we have good pieces but they don't fit great right now and we are protecting/holding back our best piece from taking on too much pressure.

[Raps in 4]

I was expecting to see more playmaking at this point to be honest, but his scoring and rebounding definitely blind-sided me. Supposedly he shows statistical promise as a future playmaker, which is encouraging if we really hope him and FVV to work as a duo. Them calling him a complimentary playmaker, however, does suggest they don't see him as a primary one either.

The playmaking is fine, our players just can't hit shots. He's averaging 6.7 potential assists per game.

He also never gets the ball back once he passes it, so the coaching staff may have told him to be more aggressive. He's our best scorer, so he might as well.

[mtcan]

I was expecting to see more playmaking at this point to be honest, but his scoring and rebounding definitely blind-sided me. Supposedly he shows statistical promise as a future playmaker, which is encouraging if we really hope him and FVV to work as a duo. Them calling him a complimentary playmaker, however, does suggest they don't see him as a primary one either.

Only so much playmaking can be done with how much he has the ball in his hands. He’s shown some nice playmaking flashes and is averaging 2.6 APG (4 APG in the last 3 games). As he gets more comfortable he’ll show even more

I don't know, I'm just not getting the complete point-forward vibe I was sold. If he was more of the "PG" he was advertised to be, I think he would have shown more of that by now. There's been opportunity. I've seen some nice flashes of court vision; I've seen some great passes. But I've never felt like he was controlling the tempo or really looking to get guys going. Feels like he's developing more like a Kawhi/Derozan/Tatum than a Simmons/Draymond/Jokic in terms of his playmaking. Maybe I'm completely alone there, but I don't even mean it as a negative since he's already shown so much with his consistent defence, scoring, and rebounding.

NBA.com wrote:

For a forward who excels as a creator on the perimeter, he's not all that comfortable working out of the post. He can still pass with his back to the basket, but he doesn't have an array of post moves to get a bucket.

Am I alone feeling much more confident that he will score than assist once he's down low right now?

I think Nick Nurse is mandated by the front office to emphasize and develop Scottie's offense and scoring. You keep hearing Nurse in the media wanting Scottie to take more shots.

We all know and have seen Scottie's passing and court vision. It is a known quantity at this point in time.

If his scoring is developed and he is the guy with the ball in his hands as a focal point on offense...the passing and the assists will come.

I really do need to see him shooting the ball more though. I want him shooting at least 3 to 4 shots from mid range or the 3 point line per game. I don't care if he misses...but he needs the reps in game situations to get comfortable. If he is ever able to hit 1 to 2 three pointers a game...then you give him the ball and watch him dish to cutters or spot up shooters because at that point...he will demand double teams.

[brownbobcat]

He was tied with Stoudamire for most points as a rookie. Stoudamire was very close to his fully developed game as a rookie. Scottie has no moves, no fakes, no offensive polish whatsoever. He's getting points on effort, smarts and absurd physical attributes.

I'd add touch and timing to that list of attributes, and those are actually quite hard to teach.