Why Scottie Barnes is one of the most interesting players in the NBA in 2023-24 w/ Joe Wolfond

Episode 1482

In Episode 1469, Sean Woodley is joined by Joe Wolfond (The Score, Pound the Rock) to discuss why Toronto Raptors point forward Scottie Barnes figures to be one of the most interesting players in the NBA in 2023-24. Off the top (2:00), Sean and Joe dig into what exactly makes Barnes such an interesting player, and why the Raptors' future direction is so tied up in his what his growth in year three will look like. Can he overcome a team context that might not be very conducive to his development as a traditional point guard? And how much of his disappointing 2022-23 season can be put on Barnes himself as opposed to the faulty roster construction and team chemistry. Next (13:13), Sean and Joe dig into the reasons for concern surrounding the Barnes lead guard experiment, and the numerous steps forward in a handful of areas he will need to take in order to thrive within an offensive system that figures to be shooting and spacing starved once again. Lastly (29:089), Sean and Joe close out on an optimistic note, and discuss some of the reasons to truly believe in a Barnes breakout being on deck this season, from his visionary passing, to the possibility of a Pascal Siakam three-point resurgence, to the many flashes of a game-alterting forcefulness from over the course of his first to seasons that hint at someone talented enough to overcome a tricky team context on talent alone. Plus, could we see Barnes tap into his substantial defensive upside this season?

Be sure to check out Joe's piece on Barnes over at the Score: https://www.thescore.com/nba/news/2700886

And come hang out with our growing community of Locked On Raptors listeners over on Discord! https://discord.gg/WswK3jDk

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