Raptors’ Scottie Barnes named NBA rookie of the year finalist
Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors forward, is a finalist in the NBA’s rookie-of-the-year award.
On Sunday, Barnes was announced alongside Cade Cunningham from the Detroit Pistons as well as Evan Mobley from the Cleveland Cavaliers to be the finalists for the league’s top-ranked first-year player.
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 rookie scorers with 17.4 points per game. Mobley (20 years old) was top rookie rebounder/shot-blocker, grabbing 8.3 board per night and blocking 1.7 shots.
All three rookie candidates were selected within the top four in last year’s NBA Draft. The Pistons selected Cunningham as the first overall pick, while Mobley was No. Barnes was the No. Toronto selected 4.
Only Barnes’ Raptors was selected from the three candidates to make the playoffs.
In Toronto’s 131-112 series opener loss to Philadelphia 76ers, he recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds as well as eight assists.
Barnes sustained a left ankle strain that required him to be forced out of the game in the fourth quarter. The Raptors saidHe said Sunday that he is “doubtful” about participating in Monday’s game 2.
Other award finalists announced Sunday included Nikola Jokic from Denver Nuggets, who was nominated for his second-straight MVP Award. He competed with Joel Embiid from the Sixers and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks).
Additionally, Mikal bridges (Phoenix Suns), Rudy Gobert(Utah Jazz), Marcus Smart (Boston Celtics), and Taylor Jenkins (Memphis Grizzlies) are finalists to be coach of year. Dejounte Murray (San Antonio Spurs), Ja Moant (Memphis), and Darius Garland of Cleveland are the three finalists for most improved player. Kevin Love was chosen as the sixth man-of-the year trio of Cam Johnson and Cam Johnsons), Tyler Herroenix), Cam Johnson and Kevin Love respectively).
The post-season will announce the winners of each award.
| Previewing Raptors-76ers playoff series:
Vivek Jacob, Jevohn Shepherd, hosts of CBC Sports North Courts, give their picks on key players for the Raptors and the Raptors coaching edge. They also predict the series. 5:19
SourceCBC Sports
