Barnes impresses Raptors with first day of work
‘He is gonna get as many reps as doable, and that’ll begin subsequent Monday evening,’ Nurse says
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The most typical traces of questioning in these early days of Toronto Raptors coaching camp concern rookie Scottie Barnes.
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How is he trying? What’s his persona like? What ought to expectations be? And so forth.
That shouldn’t be shocking, contemplating Barnes was the fourth choose of the 2021 NBA draft, Toronto’s highest choice since 2006. He was a participant the entrance workplace fell in love with and believes could be a game-changer in time.
His new teammates have taken to him already, each for his manner and for what he can do as a participant.
“On the court docket, he’s very vocal, very energetic, and he desires to guide, he desires to set an instance for everybody after which he additionally listens,” was the phrase from OG Anunoby. “He doesn’t assume he is aware of the whole lot, in order that’s high quality to have.”
It has been well-chronicled that Barnes wants to enhance as a shooter, and that course of is already underway. Barnes stated Tuesday he has spent latest months engaged on his finger placement, tinkering away and the outcomes have been good. Goran Dragic had famous Monday that Barnes has seemed fairly deadly within the mid-range early on. Barnes stated he’ll proceed getting in as many shot makes an attempt as doable forward of the season.
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Head coach Nick Nurse stated his prized rookie will get loads of work, interval, shifting ahead.
“He’s gonna get as many reps as doable and that’ll begin subsequent Monday evening (within the pre-season opener in opposition to the Philadelphia 76ers),” Nurse stated.
And Nurse cautioned in opposition to individuals anticipated loopy numbers out of Barnes instantly when requested how his season must be evaluated.
“Most likely not by trying on the stats. Don’t choose him by that,” Nurse stated.
“He’s an all-around participant. He’s going to play defence, he’s going to protect all positions, he’s going to carry (up) the ball. He’s going to play all positions on offence. I believe he’s unselfish,” Nurse stated.
“I’d in all probability choose him by the minutes he logs this 12 months as a result of that’s how he’s going to get higher is by being on the ground.”
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Barnes stated the pace and dimension of NBA gamers has been an eye-opener, however Nurse stated he’s match proper in.
“He seemed nice in the present day ,I assumed. Dealt with it like loads of younger gamers do. He was tremendous excited. He was very enthusiastic right through (clapping and inspiring others). But additionally perceive there’s loads of studying happening,” Nurse stated.
Anunoby is already looking forward to how the energetic Barnes may help increase the spirit of the group.
“It’s very useful, particularly because the 12 months goes on … It’s good to have. He brings the vitality to everybody, he’s singing to the music, he’s all the time dancing. It’s enjoyable to see. He’s enjoyable to be round.”
Added Nurse: “He’s sort of a vocal, he’s a clapper, like, ‘let’s go, let’s go, let’s play D.’
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“He simply likes to speak, he likes to smile and he loves the sport, and he performs that manner.”
OG LOOKING TO LEVEL UP
Extra instantly, the Raptors are on the lookout for Anunoby to make a leap.
Anunoby will likely be one of many major offensive weapons whereas Pascal Siakam is out of the lineup and he stated he has spent the summer time engaged on his offensive package deal in quite a lot of methods.
Nurse stated Anunoby has improved most noticeably as a finisher after absorbing preliminary contact, but in addition as a shooter and one-on-one participant.
“He’s gotten somewhat bit craftier beginning to get free and I believe he’s gotten stronger and extra balanced on the finish of them and a unique array of how to complete,” Nurse stated.
“However I additionally really feel he’s growing a fairly good tempo of enjoying in between as effectively. Simply with the ability to take a look at anyone and never essentially go by him however make him transfer to get clearance for a shot as effectively.
“I believe he’s received extra issues in his arsenal to have the ability to rating.”
Anunoby additionally plans to “lead by instance” now that he’s one of many group’s veterans. That features “doing the appropriate issues, displaying the blokes who haven’t been right here and the youthful guys simply how issues go round right here. And simply working exhausting and having them comply with swimsuit.”