Scottie Barnes expressed confidence in his defensive abilities, stating that he's been a great defender since entering the NBA.
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes in an interview opened up about his defensive power in a statement that highlights his commitment to both sides of the court.
According to Barnes, his ability to defend has always been a key part of his game, dating back to his college days and continuing into his NBA career.
"Well, I feel like I've been a great defender. I've been a great defender since I entered the league," Barnes said.
"Things just go unnoticed sometimes but you know I just go out there and try to play winning basketball. That's what I came into the league doing. If you see me in college, you'll see the same thing. Me guarding and pressing up full court. Turning guys, just trying to make it hard," he added.
The 23-year-old forward has made his mark as a versatile and reliable defender for the Raptors, offering not only excellent on-ball defense but also the ability to guard multiple positions due to his unique combination of size, athleticism, and length.
"I move really well for my size, I have great length to be able to contest shots, block shots, rebound, make adjustments on the fly. You know I do a lot of good things on that end."
Despite the defensive success Barnes has consistently showcased, he feels his contributions often go unnoticed by some observers.
"Just because people don't see it doesn't mean that I haven't doing it. But that's all I do. I'm a player that focuses a lot on defense."
This season Raptors star averages 19.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists. On defense, he blocks 1.1 shots and makes 1.4 steals per game.
Toronto is currently struggling in the standings, sitting at 13th place in the Eastern Conference with a disappointing 18-39 record.
Barnes continues to be an important player for the Raptors on both ends of the court, and with his tenacity and defensive instincts, his growth as a two-way player will be something to watch for years to come.
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