“ That’s a good thing, but at the same time, it’s a problem. He has so many qualities and (he can do so much) things at a high level. » This is what Darko Rajakovic calls a rich man’s problem, when describing the impact of Scottie Barnes in the Raptors game.
The coach of the Canadian club speaks at the end of a meeting largely dominated by his team against the Pistons. With 9 offerings, the winger helped establish a franchise record for assists (44), and confirmed his solid start to the season by finishing very close to the triple-double (17 points on 7/11 on shots, 7 rebounds and +37 when in play). His vision of the game, his ease with the ball and his speed in transition were fatal in Detroit.
“I always say if you’re really good at something in the NBA, you’ll get a contract and you’ll survive in this league. If you’re really good at two things, you’re a hell of a player. If you’re really good at three things, you’re an All-Star. And if you think you’re good at four things, you’re probably out of the league and playing in Europe.” jokes Darko Rajakoviccausing a collective laugh in the press room.
Leader in almost all statistical categories
The technician considers that it is not possible to be “ extremely good in all sectors. This is a problem I’m having because it (Barnes) is good in several areas. We need to find two or three of those areas for him to move to the next level and become an All-Star, which I think he is. »
There is no doubt that if the Raptors were to send a representative to the All-Star Game, provided they go back to the East, Scottie Barnes could overtake Pascal Siakam. Because at present, the 22-year-old is the best scorer (20), rebounder (9), interceptor and blocker (1.5) of his team, and the second passer (6)!
When asked about the areas of predilection already notable in his player, Darko Rajakovic replies that the Raptors are still discovering it. “ He is very good at going towards the circle, to connect with his teammates. Sometimes putting him in a position where he can set the screen and cut to the rim opens up a lot of things for us. It’s a process still ongoing, he’s still 22 years old. »
This shows the potential of the player who seemed to stall last season, statistically at least.
“ My game is still evolving, that’s the essential point. The development of my shot, progressing every day… I have to keep working on it, it’s really the next step for me », Assures Scottie Barnes, author of a 3/4 from distance against the Pistons, fueling his very good 39% success behind the arc this season.
| Scottie Barnes | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 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 |
| 2023-24 | TOR | 12 | 35 | 46.9 | 37.1 | 75.5 | 2.8 | 6.3 | 9.1 | 5.8 | 2.3 | 1.6 | 2.4 | 1.6 | 20.3 |
| Total | 163 | 35 | 47.3 | 30.1 | 75.5 | 2.5 | 4.7 | 7.2 | 4.3 | 2.4 | 1.1 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 15.7 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
