One Major Improvement May Lift Raptors' Scottie Barnes to All-NBA Status

Despite the Toronto Raptors' underwhelming start in the win column, star forward Scottie Barnes is taking another step in his offensive evolution by adding a new dimension to his scoring game. Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes recently identified Barnes as a potential first-time All-NBA selection, and his increase ability to attack the basket and generate opportunities at the free-throw line explains why. For a player who has struggles to find consistency from the perimeter, that development gives Barnes another avenue to produce offense and makes scoring profile even more difficult to defend. Scottie Barnes Is Embracing His Increased Offensive Responsibility Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes drives to the basket against Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect With Kawhi Leonard currently sidelined by a knee injury, Barnes has quickly become a much more prominent scoring option for Toronto this season compared to years past. The increased workload has translated into a noticeable jump in production. In the eight games before going down with a groin injury, Barnes on the season is averaging a career-high 23.5 points per game. A significant jump from his 18.1 last season despite playing nearly the same amount of minutes per game (33.3). His field-goal attempts have increased from 14.0 to 19.8 per game, reflecting how frequently Toronto is looking to get him involved offensively. However the most encouraging development has been his ability to generate additional scoring opportunities at the free-throw line.