Raptors’ Barnes named rookie of the year finalist

NEW YORK – Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes is a finalist for the NBA’s rookie of the year.

Announced on Sunday, Barnes joins Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons and Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers as the three finalists for the league’s top first-year player this season.

Barnes, 20 years old, averaged 15.3 points per game and 7.5 rebounds in 74 games played with the Raptors.

Cunningham, 20 years old, led all rookie scorers with 17.4 points per contest. Mobley, also 20, was the top rookie rebounder/shot-blocker, grabbing 8.3 board per night and stopping 1.7 shots per games.

All three rookie candidates were taken within the top four of last year’s NBA Draft. Cunningham was selected by the Pistons as the #1 overall pick. Mobley was the No. Barnes was the No. 3 choice by the Cavaliers, and Cunningham was taken first overall by the Pistons. Toronto selected 4.

Of the three candidates, only Barnes’ Raptors made the the playoffs.

He recorded 15 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in his playoff debut of Toronto’s 131-111 series opening loss to the Philadelphia 76ers Saturday.

Barnes sustained a left ankle strain that required him to be forced out of the game in the fourth quarter. The Raptors said on Sunday that he’s “doubtful” to play in Monday’s Game 2.

Other award finalists were announced Sunday by Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets’ centre and he was competing for the MVP award with Joel Embiid of Sixers and Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks.

Also, Mikal Bridges, Rudy Gobert, (Utah Jazz), and Marcus Smart (Boston Celtics), are finalists for defensive players of the Year. Taylor Jenkins (Memphis Grizzlies), Eirkspoelstra (Miami Heat), and Monty Williams are vying to coach of the Year. Dejounte Murray (San Antonio Spurs), Ja Morant, and Darius Garland (Cleveland) are the best player finalists. The sixth man of the year were Kevin Love (Cleveland), Cam Johnson (Phoenix), and Cam Johnson (Phoenix), and Kevin Love (Cleveland), and Kevin Love (Cleveland).

Each award’s winners will be announced in the following season.

This report by The Canadian Press first appeared April 17, 2022.