Scottie Barnes' latest injury setback has $7.78M benefit for Raptors and improved chance in Cooper Flagg sweepstakes
Toronto Raptors Scottie Barnes is reportedly expected to miss several weeks after he sustained an ankle injury in a 113-108 loss to the New York Knicks on Sunday. NBA insider Keith Smith suggested in a tweet that the injury to Barnes could be a silver lining for the Raptors.
Furthermore, Smith believes that the Raptors will lose more games but stand to benefit in the forthcoming NBA draft. Top pick Cooper Flagg could be a possible target if the "small silver linings" work in their favor.
"I hate to look at it this way, but Scottie Barnes being out might actually end up helping the Raptors a lot in the long-term."
While Barnes' injury is a significant blow to the Raptors, it is also a huge financial windfall. He is on track to fall short of the league's 65-game threshold if the reports are true about the number of games he will miss.
This means that missing out on the All-NBA award will see his max-salary rookie extension start at 25% of the salary cap for next season instead of 30%. That will provide them with significant financial flexibility.
Additionally, if the team struggles more in his absence, it could lead to more losses. That may not be what Raptors fans want, but it could improve their draft pick standing and see them in a better position to land a top prospect in the 2025 NBA draft.
What next for Scottie Barnes and the Toronto Raptors?
ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Scottie Barnes will miss "several weeks." The 2021-22 Rookie of the Year missed 22 games last season, and he's missed 11 games this season from an orbital fracture.
"Toronto Raptors star Barnes is expected to miss several weeks with a right ankle injury suffered on Monday, sources tell ESPN. Barnes is averaging career highs of 20.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 7.4 assists this season," Shams Charania tweeted.
The Raptors (7-18) are struggling this season and have lost their last three games. They travel to the Kaseya Center to face the Miami Heat next on Thursday.
However, Barnes is having a good individual season. He averages a career-high 20.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game.