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Coming into this season, the Toronto Raptors made it clear that they were looking to compete for the playoffs this year. They acquired Brandon Ingram at last season\u2019s trade deadline to pair him with Scottie Barnes, a move that has given mixed results, but the fit with Ingram and Barnes has been clean for the most part.<\/p>\n
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The Raptors earned the fifth seed in the East this season, thanks to an All-Star year from Barnes. There were questions about whether or not he could be the team\u2019s franchise face, even with his max contract extension.<\/p>\n
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Those questions lingered into the postseason, but regardless of how Toronto\u2019s season ends up going, Barnes has made one thing clear.<\/p>\n
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This playoffs was set to be the proving ground for Barnes to show that he can be Toronto\u2019s top option offensively and he has passed with flying colors.<\/p>\n
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So far in the first round against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Barnes has averaged 24 points per game, five rebounds, and eight assists while shooting 49 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range.<\/p>\n
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He has all of that offensive production while still being the face of the Raptors\u2019 defense. He has taken the challenge of guarding James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley throughout this series, showing off his defensive versatility.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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He and Collin Murray-Boyles have been a menacing defensive duo that has given the Cavs fits throughout the series. Barnes has been full go at all times, showing that he can be an offensive engine and provide elite defense as well.<\/p>\n
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He has also been the team\u2019s de-facto point guard with Immanuel Quickley out. He is averaging four turnovers per game, but that is bound to happen when you have the ball in your hands for nearly 40 minutes a night.<\/p>\n
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The Raptors are down 3-2 with a chance to force a game seven this weekend, but regardless of whether they move on or not, Barnes is their future. He is their franchise player. They need to maximize the roster around him and get him a legitimate co-star, and versatility around him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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As good as Ingram is, his inconsistencies have shown this series. The Cavs have pretty much shut him down. However, they haven\u2019t had an answer for Barnes, so if Toronto can get him some legitimate shot-creators, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the East in the future.<\/p>\n
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