Barnes injured his ankle within the third quarter of a house loss to the Knicks when he contested a Karl-Anthony Towns shot try close to the basket — the 2 gamers bought snarled, and Cities came down on Barnes’ foot. The 2022 Rookie of the 12 months fell to the ground in apparent ache and was helped off the court docket by teammates earlier than hopping to the locker room, unable to place weight on his proper foot.
According to Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca, Barnes was in a strolling boot on Tuesday and was anticipated to endure extra imaging on the harm, initially recognized without any consideration ankle sprain, with the Raptors anticipated to supply an replace on Wednesday. It is anticipated {that a} formal replace from the workforce will come quickly, however Charania’s report makes it clear that Barnes is dealing with an prolonged absence.
It’ll be the second prolonged layoff already this season for Barnes, who missed 11 video games over three-plus weeks in October and November resulting from a proper orbital fracture.
Barnes has been extraordinarily efficient when wholesome, averaging profession highs in factors (20.6), rebounds (8.4) and assists (7.4) per recreation in 14 outings (33.2 MPG). The Raptors have been extra aggressive when the 23-year-old has been accessible, going 5-9 with him and 2-9 with out him this fall.
It’s a rebuilding season for Toronto, so Barnes’ absence isn’t the identical type of setback it will be for a workforce with championship or playoff aspirations — it’d finally profit the franchise in the long term if it helps the Raptors’ draft place. Nonetheless, it’s a disappointing growth for a workforce that also hasn’t had an opportunity to see two of its cornerstone gamers — Barnes and Immanuel Quickley — play collectively this season.
One other prolonged absence can even have main monetary implications for Barnes, who’s now on monitor to fall wanting the 65-game threshold in 2024-25, making him ineligible for end-of-season awards, corresponding to All-NBA.
Given the Raptors’ place within the standings, an All-NBA nod was in all probability an extended shot for Barnes anyway, however lacking out on that honor will be certain that his maximum-salary rookie extension begins at 25 p.c of the wage cap subsequent season as a substitute of 30 p.c. Which means it’ll be value a projected $224M over 5 years as a substitute of $269M.
Barnes’ harm will lead to extra offensive duties for RJ Barrett and Gradey Dick, with Jonathan Mogbo, Chris Boucher and Jamison Battle among the many candidates for elevated roles. Bruce Brown, who ought to make his season debut soon after present process offseason knee surgical procedure, also needs to assist fill the opening created by Barnes’ absence.
