Intentions week 8 rookie ladder recognizes definitive top 5

No. 1 – Scottie Barnes – Toronto Raptors

If you don’t believe the players care about awards or recognition this past week’s performance by Scottie Barnes might prove otherwise.

The Raptors played only two games but the rookie was a presence impacting both sides of the court. The win against the Knicks only happens because he grabbed a rebound while being held and had the presence of mind to quickly get the ball to Fred VanVleet who hit a wide-open Gary Trent Jr. who drilled the 3-pointer that gave them the padding necessary to win.

Similarly, if you caught the highlights from that game there is one play that shows FVV hitting a streaking Pascal Siakam for a fast break dunk. But again it’s Barnes grabbing the rebound and orchestrating the quick pass to get that play in motion.

Rookie category rankings:

• Offensive rebounds: 2.9 – first
• Field Goals Made: 6.1 – first
• Minutes per game: 35.9 – first
• Rebounds: 8.3 – second
• Points: 14.8 – second
• Double-Doubles: four
• Blocks: 0.9 – second
• Steals: 1.2 – third
• Assists: 3.3 – fifth
• Turnovers: 2.0 – fifth
• Field goal percent: 48.9%
• 3-point field goal percent: 34.0%

He averaged a double-double in his two games of week eight with 15 points, 11.5 rebounds (3.5
offensive), 4.0 assists, 1.5 steals, 2.0 blocks. and only 1.0 turnover.

Barnes’ performance is even more impressive considering OG Anunoby and both big men (Khem Birch and Precious Achiuwa) missed both games. It led to situations where he was guarding centers. Although his performance versus the OKC Thunder (18 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one steal, two blocks) reads well on a stat sheet it wasn’t a typical Barnes performance.

His game versus the Knicks offered both the stats – (12 points, 15 rebounds (4 OR), three assists, two steals, and two blocks) with the tangible defensive benefits.

RJ Barrett had been on fire coming into the game but Barnes kept him off-kilter (5 of 16) and he frequently served as the second Raptor to cut off Julius Randle turning to his left.

As predicted last week, his 3-point shooting took a dip in week eight but with the Raptors missing so many core pieces having him expend energy defensively was the priority over 3-point shooting. I’m anxious to witness how this team plays at full health.

Through 26 games the Raptors core trio of Anunoby, VanVleet, and Siakam have only played in three games together with two of those Siakam’s first on the court after a long period off it due to shoulder surgery.

Barnes ranks in the top five of all key categories – something none of the others in this elite quintet can claim. Also of note, he ranks in the top five (usually top three) on his team in all the key categories as well.