It’s been a long, long time since the Toronto Raptors had a prospect as special as Scottie Barnes.
The 22-year-old forward has now topped the 20-point mark in five straight games this season, becoming the first Raptors player 22 years old or younger to accomplish the feat since Chris Bosh in 2007. Bosh went as many as 15 consecutive games from Jan. 10 to Feb. 9, 2007, scoring at least 20 points and averaged a staggering 27.9 points per game as a 22-year-old over the stretch.
For the season, Barnes is averaging 21.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists with two blocks per game. He’s one of only five players averaging at least 21 points, nine rebounds, and five assists alongside Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and LeBron James.
His shooting has also taken a significant step forward, as he’s 11-for-28 from three-point range this year and 15-for-26 on pull-up jump shots. It’s a small sample size, but his release and confidence appear to be much improved after struggling with his shot last season.
Overall, his impact has been clear on both sides of the court for the Raptors who are 18.3 points per 100 possessions better with Barnes on the court compared to when he sits. That’s the second-highest mark of any Raptors regular this season trailing only O.G. Anunoby.
Barnes is now considered the second most likely player to win the NBA’s Most Improved Player at most sportsbooks, with +1,000 odds, conveying about a 9% chance. He trails only fellow 22-year-old Tyrese Maxey who is currently a heavy favorite to win the award.
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