[ad_1]
Ahead Scottie Barnes suffered a fracture to the third metacarpal bone of his left hand within the second quarter of Friday’s loss to Golden State, the Raptors introduced in a press launch, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania. He’s out indefinitely.
It’s a troublesome blow for the previous Rookie of the Yr, who’s averaging profession highs in each main statistic this season, together with factors (20.0), rebounds (8.3), assists (6.1), steals (1.3) and blocks (1.5) although 59 video games. His taking pictures slash line in these contests was .474/.340/.781.
An All-Star for the primary time in 2023-24, Barnes has assumed a bigger function on each ends of the court docket for Toronto in 2023-24 after the crew misplaced Fred VanVleet in free company final summer season after which determined to commerce impending free brokers Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby throughout the season.
For the reason that crew is now constructed round Barnes, who was the fourth total decide in 2020, it’s laborious to say who will tackle bigger roles in his absence. Commerce additions Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett seem to be apparent candidates, however neither has Barnes’ measurement or distinctive talent set.
If the crew elects to go together with smaller wings, Gradey Dick, Bruce Brown and Ochai Agbaji might obtain extra run. If the Raptors wish to go larger, they might play Kelly Olynyk extra minutes within the frontcourt alongside Jakob Poeltl.
At 22-38, the Raptors had been already on the skin wanting in of the postseason image, at present trailing the Hawks by 4.5 video games for the ultimate spot within the East’s play-in event. With Barnes sidelined, their odds of creating the playoffs — slim as they had been — are all however eradicated.
Barnes, 22, can be eligible for a rookie scale extension within the offseason, and there’s an excellent probability he’ll obtain a maximum-salary supply from Toronto.
[ad_2]
Source link