Fred VanVleet left for Houston, Pascal Siakam more than ever included in transfer rumors and OG Anunoby in search of a bigger role (according to rumours) and potentially at the end of the contract next year: the offseason is not no rest at all Toronto in recent days, and Scottie Barnes therefore appears to be a rare certainty.
After a second campaign more disappointing than the first, crowned with the title of Rookie of the Year, the winger of the Raptors could indeed continue at the start of the school year towards an ever more central place in the project of the Canadian club, according to the future of Pascal Siakam, tracked by the Hawks. A challenge he is ready to take up.
” I’m ready [à prendre davantage de responsabilités]. I’m honestly a leader by nature, so I try to lead by example on both sides of the court when I’m on the court. “, declared the 21-year-old player for Complex Canada. ” Something I often hear, and agree with, is that leadership doesn’t necessarily come with age. I’ve always been vocal, and comfortable assuming leadership status. »
But the former Florida State then insists on the importance, above all, of a collective rebound, after a bland 2022/23 season, marked by a crying lack of soul within the group throughout the season. ‘exercise.
” [Chez les Raptors], we know that we are better than what we have shown this season. So we want to use this failure to progress in the future, to learn from our mistakes and come out better. Especially since we have good parts to achieve it Adds the 4th pick of the 2021 Draft. A lot has changed for us internally lately, so training camp will be crucial. But the objective is unchanged, to get back to winning. You will have to be ready to work, to get to know us. Simply build, ultimately. »
Validated changes
Not particularly on good terms with Fred VanVleet in recent months, according to Sportsnet, Scottie Barnes will evolve in a reorganized group at the start of the school year. And he appreciates the changes, so far.
” He’s a great guy, very energetic and smiling. Charisma. It’s the first thing that jumps out at you. And from a basketball point of view, it brings a new system, a new philosophy. We’re gonna change the way we play “, he detailed for example about Darko Rajakovic, his new coach. ” A lot of movement, of the ball and the players, very high pick-and-rolls to space out the field. He will be invaluable for our team. »
A team that has welcomed several newcomers, including rookie Gradey Dick, with whom the current is already going very well. ” I thought he would be picked higher, so that’s cool for us. He’s tall, shoots really well, and I love his personality. He will strengthen us, and our choice was the right one “, adds the native of Florida, before evoking Dennis Schröder and particularly” his experience in the league, his mastery of the tempo. »
Then Scottie Barnes concludes by simply summarizing that ” Toronto loves me and I love Toronto. “, a sentence that will comfort the supporters of the Raptors in this uncertain summer, and consolidates his position as heir in Ontario…
| Scottie Barnes | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2021-22 | TOR | 74 | 35 | 49.2 | 30.1 | 73.5 | 2.6 | 4.9 | 7.5 | 3.5 | 2.6 | 1.1 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 15.3 |
| 2022-23 | TOR | 77 | 35 | 45.6 | 28.1 | 77.2 | 2.3 | 4.3 | 6.7 | 4.8 | 2.2 | 1.1 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 15.3 |
| Total | 151 | 35 | 47.3 | 29.0 | 75.5 | 2.5 | 4.6 | 7.1 | 4.2 | 2.4 | 1.1 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 15.3 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
