Scottie Barnes weighs in on Raptors’ tanking strategy

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes addressed speculation about the team’s late-season direction, making it clear that his focus remains on playing and improving, regardless of the standings.

Barnes, who played through a right-hand MCP joint contusion during Thursday night’s 112-103 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, told Sportsnet’s Michael Grange that sitting out games is not part of his mindset.

“Why would I not go out there?” Barnes said. “Nothing’s stopping me. You know, I want to play every single game. I love playing basketball. I missed some games last year, I missed some games this year. You know, it’s just a blessing to be on that court. You know, every time I step on the floor, just trying to help the team win.”

Raptors’ decision to play Scottie Barnes late in season sparks questions about lottery strategy

The 23-year-old is in his fourth NBA season and remains a foundational piece of the Raptors’ future. Despite Toronto’s 28-49 record and elimination from Play-In Tournament contention, Barnes has played in 62 games and is averaging 18.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and one block per game while shooting 44% from the field.

Although playing in at least 65 games would make Barnes eligible for All-NBA consideration and a potential $45 million bonus on his rookie max extension, Grange noted that the odds of receiving such recognition this season are “slim to none.”

With only a handful of games left in a losing season and a top lottery pick potentially at stake — especially in a draft class headlined by Cooper Flagg — the Raptors’ decision to continue playing Barnes raised questions about long-term strategy.

Darko Rajakovic sees late-season games as key development opportunity for Barnes