Barnes has his sights set on next season.

The Toronto Raptors’ Scottie Barnes recently sat down for an interview with CBC News. In the interview, Barnes talked about what he’s looking forward to next season.

Barnes was selected by Toronto with the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Initially, it was expected that Toronto would use the fourth pick to select Jaylen Suggs. However, Toronto believed in Barnes’ potential.

Barnes was rewarded, averaging 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in his rookie season, winning Rookie of the Year honors. Toronto fans applauded him for establishing himself as the future of the team, but Barnes didn’t quite hit his stride last season.

He averaged 15.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists last season. Not much different from his rookie season. He also struggled with his work ethic, which disappointed fans.

Toronto also won 41 games, finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference, but failed to make the playoffs.

As a result, Toronto retooled its roster this summer. Most notably, they parted ways with Fred VanVleet. Banvlett is a veteran who has played exclusively for Toronto since his rookie year. The offensive and defensive point guard has always been a leader on the team, helping Toronto become a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference.

His departure may seem like more trouble than it’s worth right now. But Barnes sees it as an opportunity.

“Fred’s departure hurts,” Barnes said. “It hurts, but it means more opportunities for the other players and myself. I think we can do some great things next season.”

Banvlett will be replaced by 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup MVP Dennis Schroder. Toronto also parted ways with head coach Nick Nurse and named Darko Rajkovic as its new head coach for next season 안전놀이터.

“We have a whole new coaching staff,” Barnes said. They’re bringing a lot of energy. It’s really great. I’m excited to see what we can do next season,” Barnes said.