Toronto Raptors rookie Scottie Barnes will start on Monday night as the team begins preseason play at home versus the Philadelphia 76ers, according to Michael Grange of Sportsnet.
The fourth overall pick brings tremendous skills to the court. He flashed his ability to play at a high level on both ends of the floor in the Las Vegas Summer League, averaging 15.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, two blocks and one steal.
Raptors head coach Nick Nurse last week said Barnes will have the opportunity to log heavy minutes this season. The team will look to get him involved early and often throughout the year, and that will begin versus the 76ers.
Rookie Scottie Barnes will start vs. Sixers along with Fred VanVleet, Goran Dragic, OG Anunoby and Precious Achuiwa.
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) October 4, 2021
Barnes was given high praise by teammate Goran Dragic, who has noticed he is often the first in the gym and the last to leave. He has put in plenty of work in the gym since the conclusion of summer league, and the team is rewarding him by placing him into the starting lineup on Monday.
He hasn’t been with the Raptors very long but has already left quite an impression on his teammates and coaches. He brings immense energy and effort each time he steps onto the court and, with a large role on tap, will likely be impacting games on a nightly basis.
The contest on Monday marks the first game in Toronto since Feb. 28, 2020.
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