Fresh off of a tremendous rookie campaign, Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes plans to get into the gym early and often this summer to improve his overall skillset.
The Raptors were eliminated from the playoffs on Thursday by the Philadelphia 76ers and will now enter the offseason. The team went 48-34 during the regular season and finished particularly strong after starting off with a 22-22 record.
Barnes played a key role with the Raptors this season and was named the Rookie of the Year after averaging 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.1 steals. He often drew praise from teammates and head coach Nick Nurse, and even some of his peers.
Certainly, Barnes had a great rookie campaign. He set the bar high for himself this year and will be looking to have an even better sophomore year next season. He detailed the Raptors’ message to him ahead of the offseason and what he plans to work on.
It is really just about what you feel you need to work on and improve and they have the same mutual agreement: Just come back stronger, work on my shooting, keep continuing to work on my body. Get bigger and stronger and keep developing.
Barnes plans to link up with the same trainers he used last year during the pre-draft process in California this summer. He will also get some work in with the Raptors’ training staff periodically and maintain communication with coaches.
The fourth pick proved to be more than ready to compete this season and the results showed on the court. It is reasonable to believe that work ethic will only continue over the next several months as Barnes looks ahead to his second season in the NBA.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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