Raptors Without Scottie Barnes Again: What It Means Moving Forward

The hits just keep coming for the Raptors — this time, it’s Scottie Barnes. The rising star is expected to miss several weeks with a right ankle sprain, per ESPN.

The injury happened Monday against the Knicks, and it was a nasty one. Barnes landed awkwardly on Karl-Anthony Towns while trying to block a shot at the rim. He had to be helped off the court, unable to put any weight on his right foot.

The team announced Wednesday that imaging confirmed the sprain, and while Barnes will be reevaluated in a week, don’t expect a quick return.

This is a significant blow for Toronto, who lives and dies with Barnes’ all-around brilliance. The numbers? Off the charts. Barnes is averaging 20.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game — career highs across the board.

Only four players in the NBA are hitting those marks this season. That’s elite company.

The timing couldn’t be worse. Barnes already missed 11 games earlier this year due to a right orbital fracture, and the Raptors went a miserable 2-9 without him. When he’s on the floor, Toronto competes. When he’s not? It’s a mess.

Now, they’re staring at another stretch without their do-it-all forward, and in the unforgiving Eastern Conference, that’s not ideal.

Barnes signed a massive extension over the summer, potentially worth $270 million if he hits supermax criteria. And he’s been playing like he’s worth every cent. The 2022 Rookie of the Year and first-time All-Star last season has elevated his game to franchise cornerstone status. But none of that matters if he’s sidelined.

For the Raptors, it’s simple: figure out how to stay afloat, or risk sliding into irrelevance in a hurry. Without Barnes, that’s a steep hill to climb.