"He's a monster on the defensive end. Stalking around off the ball like the predator, ready to devour his prey (the ball). His mere presence as the next defender in the gaps or as the low man is often enough to dissuade drives, and when it isn't, even Joel Embiid and Chet Holmgren can get some. Barnes' ground coverage is outrageous. He uses his outlier mix of length, athleticism,"
"Here are Barnes' per-game averages over the last three seasons, including the current one. He was an All-Star in 2023-34, wasn't in 2024-25, and is again now: 2023-24: 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 2.8 stocks 2024-25: 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 2.4 stocks 2025-26: 19.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.8 stocks"
Scottie Barnes earned a second All-Star selection after a fifth NBA season in which he helped lift the Toronto Raptors from the Eastern Conference basement to a top-four seed heading into the trade deadline and All-Star break. Barnes achieved recognition through team-first play that emphasizes elite defense, versatile positioning and off-ball impact rather than high-volume scoring. He averages 19.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 2025-26, similar to prior seasons, but his defensive presence, ground coverage and ability to dissuade drives have made a distinct impact. Barnes uses length and athleticism to disrupt opponents and create team opportunities.
Read at Raptors Republic
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