When it comes to the NBA Rookie of the Year race, there are seemingly a handful of players with a strong case to win the award. However, if you ask players and coaches on the Toronto Raptors, the answer is clear: Scottie Barnes.
Barnes on Wednesday earned widespread praise from teammates and head coach Nick Nurse as they, collectively, believe the fourth pick should take it home. Of course, they may be a bit biased, but Barnes has a strong argument to win and is among the favorites at the moment.
He is averaging 15.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.1 steals in 64 games. Barnes ranks fourth in scoring average, third in rebounding and second in field goals (6.2) among first-year players. He is also the reigning Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month.
Raptors center Precious Achiuwa vouched for Barnes in the race.
I don’t think it is a question. I don’t even understand why there is a debate about that. I think he has proven himself over and over again. I don’t think that is a question. I think he deserves it. He has been playing unbelievable and he has been consistent so I think he should get it. I don’t know what else to say.
Raptors head coach Nick Nurse said Barnes should “100%” be named the Rookie of the Year and would vote for him. Unfortunately, Nurse won’t have a say in the matter as a panel of 100 global sportswriters and reporters will vote on the award.
He recently showed those voters why he should win, too.
Barnes posted a career-high 31 points, 17 rebounds, six assists and one steal on March 18 in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. He became just the fourth rookie over the last 20 years to record at least 20 points, 15 rebounds and five assists in a game.
While the Raptors view Barnes as the clear choice, the 20-year-old will have fierce competition for the award. Along with Barnes, Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley and Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner also figure to be in contention.
Pascal Siakam is rooting for Barnes in the race, of course.
I obviously want Rookie of the Year to be Scottie. I think it is great. … Obviously, Scottie and Evan, they are playing well and the game is changing. Those guys can kind of do everything, they can play defense, they can score, and they can do anything it in different ways, so it’s really dope, it’s really dope to see.
The race for the annual award appears to be as competitive as it has been in quite some time with so many in contention this late in the season. There is no clear-cut choice at this point, but the final voting results figure to be very close in the end.
The rookie class has dazzled throughout the season and could emerge as one of the best ever. The conversation for Rookie of the Year will only escalate but the spirited debate further highlights how impressive the group has been this season.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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