"Barnes played with a different kind of aggressiveness on the offensive end of the floor, taking more shots and scoring over 20 points in six out of seven games. He even shot an uncharacteristically efficient clip from behind the arc, sinking 38.1% of his 3-pointers, and recorded three double-doubles with points and assists."
"It was a phenomenal playoff run that introduced him as a franchise star to NBA fans who may not watch the Raptors a ton during the regular season. Now that he's answered one question, another one is already looming over his 2026-27 season: Can he play with this kind of force and assertiveness over the course of a whole regular season?"
""What you saw was him playing with force on both ends. I think that's our push for him over the course of 82 games," Raptors GM Bobby Webster said during his end-of-season media availability. "Really playing with that level of force and engagement for a whole season.""
"Jamal Shead voiced a similar sentiment in his own end-of-season availability. The second-year guard said that Barnes had the talent, endurance, and want to play as he did in the playoffs over the course of a whole season. He also noted that he and other teammates would have to hold him accountable and push him to always stay aggressive on the offensive end."
Scottie Barnes entered his first playoff series as the Raptors’ leading player and answered whether he could perform like a true star. He increased offensive aggressiveness, took more shots, and scored over 20 points in six of seven games. He also improved his three-point efficiency, making 38.1% of his attempts, and produced three double-doubles with points and assists. The playoff run established him as a franchise star for broader NBA audiences. With the 2026-27 season approaching, the Raptors expect him to carry that same force and assertiveness through the regular season. The team’s leadership emphasized sustained engagement on both ends, while teammates highlighted accountability and continued offensive aggression.
Read at Raptors Rapture
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