Last season’s rookie class was stacked with serious talent but, in the end, Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors came out on top.
The forward, who went last the fourth overall pick in the draft, averaged 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
Despite going against players such as Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, and Josh Giddey, Barnes was named the NBA’s Rookie of the Year.
Reigning Rookie of the Year is looking even scarier for Year #2 😳 @ricohinesbball @scottbarnes561 pic.twitter.com/KuUEJqjac0
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) August 30, 2022
Obviously, now all eyes are on him for the upcoming season: will he be better or worse?
Is he ready to lead the Raptors after just one year as a professional baller?
That remains to be seen but a new video showing Barnes practicing shows that the young man is putting serious work into his handles, his shooting, and his dunking.
This is great news for the Raptors and bad news for the rest of the league.
Raptors Rising
Toronto ended last season as the 5th seed in the East with a 48-34 record.
They certainly had some struggles but they heated up at times and got fans excited for what’s ahead.
What’s ahead is Barnes, a young superstar in the making.
But he’s not alone: the team also has Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and Fred VanVleet leading the way.
Altogether, this Raptors squad is something special but they’re still a few pieces away from legitimate greatness.
The Eastern Conference is truly menacing, with teams such as the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Miami Heat filled with talent and experience.
The Raptors might have Barnes and the rest of his team but they still can’t topple those teams – at least not yet.
Fans of Toronto are eagerly awaiting the new season and what Barnes and his teammates have in store for them.
NEXT: The Raptors Should Stay The Course And Say No To Kevin Durant