Barnes, Raptors show defensive potential early

While it's still early in the season, Scottie Barnes has displayed the potential that led to Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic's proclamation before the year began.

TORONTO – While it’s still early in the season, Scottie Barnes has displayed the potential that led to Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic’s proclamation before the year began.

Barnes had 17 points on only 6-for-16 shooting, but his impact was felt in other ways in Toronto’s 97-94 season-opening win against Minnesota.Wednesday. He had five of Toronto’s 11 blocked shots and two of its nine steals, along with eight rebounds.

His disruptiveness only furthered the idea behind Rajakovic’s claim before the season started that Barnes will one day be the defensive player of the year.

“Yeah, we talked about it multiple times, just him saying the ability of me being able to win defensive player of the year with me being versatile, guarding one (point guard) through five (centre),” the third-year forward told reporters at Thursday’s practice.

“I’ve been saying I was a great defender. I just feel like I don’t really get that recognition as I should.”

Centre Jakob Poeltl said being defended by a player like Barnes can be annoying because of his ability to recover after losing position and make plays.

“He’s the type of guy, he’s a little bit of a wild card sometimes,” Poeltl said. “He can jump out and just make a play out of nowhere. I mean he’s very aggressive on defence. He’s got good hands, good length, obviously. Very, very physical, as well.”

Rajakovic made true on his word of using his team’s versatility. He started Barnes at shooting guard, while O.G. Anunoby and Pascal Siakam occupied the forward spots. Poeltl started at centre with Dennis Schroder at the point.