Scottie Barnes Now Considered Among the Favorites for NBA's Most Improved Player

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes is now considered among the most likely players to earn the NBA's Most Improved Player award

Scottie Barnes is already turning heads around the league just three games into the NBA season.

The Toronto Raptors forward has come out of the gates on fire, averaging 21 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and three blocks through his first three games this year. For context, he’s one of only five players averaging at least 21 points, eight rebounds, and six assists alongside Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James. Of those players, only Embiid is averaging three blocks per game.

Suddenly, sportsbooks have taken notice, moving Barnes into the top tier of players most likely to win the league’s Most Improved Player award. He can be found at +1,000, conveying about a 9.1% probability he will win the award. That has him tied for second at most sportsbooks alongside fellow fourth-year forward Cade Cunningham. Only Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey has better odds to win the award, sitting at about +300, conveying about a 25% probability.

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“He's such a competitor and he gives that every single night for our team,” said Raptors coach Darko Rajaković following the team’s loss to the 76ers on Saturday. “I think we're getting (an) amazing, amazing player in Scottie.”

The biggest development from Barnes so far has been his shooting. He’s 4-for-11 from three-point range and 8-for-11 on pull-up shots this year. It’s a very small sample size, but a step in the right direction for Barnes whose shooting regressed from virtually everywhere on the court last season.

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If Barnes continues this play, there’s little doubt he’ll be in serious consideration for an All-Star spot later this season. For now, though, anything close to this torrid stretch would be huge for Toronto and the organization’s future.