Toronto Raptors All-Star Scottie Barnes will be out indefinitely with a fractured hand, as announced by the team on Friday after a 120-105 loss to the Golden State Warriors. Barnes suffered a fracture in the third metacarpal bone of his left hand. The timeline for his return hinges on the necessity of surgery.
Late in the second quarter, Steph Curry delivered a slick pass through the defense to Jonathan Kuminga, who attempted an awkward layup. Barnes hustled from the weak, aiming for a block, but collided with the rim, smacking his hand in the process. His scream was audible on the broadcast.
The Raptors played 4-on-5 without Barnes on offense for possession before he fouled to stop play. Subsequently, he was substituted out and did not return to the game.
As for the duration of Barnes’ absence, there’s a possibility that his season may be over. With only six weeks remaining in the regular season, time for recovery is limited.
Considering the Raptors’ position, trailing 4.5 games behind the final Play-In Tournament spot, there’s no urgency to rush his return. In fact, it may be beneficial for the team’s long-term strategy to fall in the standings for a higher lottery pick.
Despite a somewhat disappointing sophomore campaign, Barnes has had a remarkable bounce-back season. Over 60 games, he’s averaging 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. His recent All-Star appearance, as an injury replacement, underscores his resurgence.
As the Raptors embark on a new era, Barnes will continue to be a focal point leading the team forward.
“Scottie is an incredible player,” Warriors star Draymond Green said of Barnes following Friday’s game. “You come in this league and you hope to leave your mark. Me playing the point forward position, I’m not gonna sit up here and act like I was the first person to do it, but I think I’ve done it a little differently than most. He’ll take that to a whole nother level.
“For me, to see guys like Scottie Barnes in that mold. He’s far bigger than me, probably four inches taller, way more athletic, he’s a special, special, special talent… I think Scottie will do way more than I ever did in my career.”
