Scottie Barnes Sends A Message During Toronto Raptors Media Day

NBA Media Day is an exciting time for fans around the association due to the first looks at new beginnings. Whether it be players switching teams, returning from injuries, or coming in with a new mentality or physique, eyes are locked in on the plethora of press conferences that come from the 30 franchises to hear what the players and coaches have done over the offseason. 

The Toronto Raptors may not have been one of the franchises with the most roster turnover, but they also could be one with some of the most excitement for the new year. After a seven-game first-round series exit against the Cleveland Cavaliers, general manager Bobby Webster knew he had to do more to get the team back into championship contention. As a result, seven-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard is back with the franchise he won Finals MVP with in 2019.

His pairing with franchise cornerstone Scottie Barnes should prove to be one of the best dynamic duos in the NBA this season. Leonard was the first of many press conferences, but the 25-year-old superstar was quick to follow. Of course, reporters immediately wanted to know his thoughts on now being paired with the one player he picked as a dream teammate when he was in high school.

He started with the physical defensive mentality that they share and how that will easily lead to energy on the offensive end. Later in the press conference, he talked about his new ability to learn from the two-time DPOY every day in practice and even off the court, with consistency and attention to detail. 

One reporter commented on the shift in expectations from the team's standpoint after adding a two-time Finals MVP, but Barnes shut that down. He said that the goal has always been to win since he was drafted with the No. 4 pick in 2021, but the Raptors have been missing one piece to get them over the hump in the playoffs; now they have it. 

As far as individual progression goes, Barnes was very deliberate in the areas he needed to improve in offensively. Last season’s playoffs showed him that he needed to be more effective in isolation plays late in games; he wasn’t adept at getting to his spots on the floor and consistently taking and making favorable shots when the team needed it most. He also mentioned his need for constant aggression, even when he isn’t necessarily the primary ball handler. 

Asking about defensive growth seemed to be a bit of a sore subject for the man who finished fifth in the DPOY voting last season but was only awarded All-Defensive Second Team. He exclaimed a statement that may make its rounds in league circles. 

“I know I’m one of the best defensive players in the world,” said Barnes. “I make impact on that floor every single night. It’s whatever. I don’t wanna say how I really feel. It just felt kind of disrespectful that I didn’t make [All-Defensive First Team]. I know for sure I’ll be on there this year.”

Toronto possessed one of the best defenses in the league last season because of the tenacity on display from nearly every player every night. He called this rendition of the Raptors' defense “dangerous,” and discussed needing to learn each other’s tendencies to capitalize on the impressive potential. With Leonard and Barnes leading a scary defensive scheme by head coach Darko Rajakovic, Toronto will not be a team that others will be looking forward to playing.

Finally, Barnes was asked about the development of the two young guns, Ja’Kobe Walter and Collin Murray-Boyles. He immediately credited the hard work they put in over this summer and vocalized the jump he’s anticipating for both of them. Both players were documented on working on their jump shots to continue to expand their games, along with increasing their aggression in getting downhill at the basket. It’s set to be a very interesting preseason to see how far everyone has come; it may even be a very quick tell of how far the Raptors will be able to go this season.