OKC Thunder: Shakeup at the top of TI’s week 7 rookie ladder
No. 2 – Scottie Barnes – Toronto Raptors
As Intentions noted last week Scottie Barnes is upping his perimeter shooting at the behest of coach Nick Nurse. With his great I.Q. he takes them when it’s logical (read: he’s open) and his form looks fine.
Rookie category rankings:
- Points: 14.8 – first
- Offensive rebounds: 2.9 – first
- Field Goals Made: 6.1 – first
- Minutes per game: 35.5 – first
- Rebounds: 8.0 – second
- Double-Doubles: three
- Blocks: 0.8 – tied (Herbert Jones) second
- Steals: 1.1 – four-way tie for third
- Assists: 3.2 – fifth
- Turnovers: 2.0 – fifth
- Field goal percent: 48.9%
- 3-point field goal percent: 35.7%
In week seven he attempted 14 deep shots and connected on six (42.9%) with two of those games featuring him shooting 3 of 6 and a couple coming at critical points in the match.
It’s probably not likely realistic for him to maintain that efficiency through the entirety of the season but if he forces defenses to start guarding him out to the perimeter it will make a difference for his team as it opens up the court. Moreover, his passing and ability to put the ball on the floor and drive also open up copious avenues for his offensive game.
He continues to ask for the toughest defensive assignments and captain Fred VanVleet shared that he told Scottie not to be limited by others the perceived ‘rookie wall’ that nothing should hold him back from being great or setting objectives to continually improve.
Although he was strong in week seven, his performance in week eight highlights how he’s taking that advice to heart.