"Over the last 8 games, the Raptors have the worst offensive rating in the NBA. Prior to that? The best offensive start the franchise has had to a season - as far as rankings go - in the tracking era. This coincides, quite snugly, with RJ Barrett's injury. Is Barrett this level of defining offensive player? Most people say no. Is his absence truly the difference between one of the best offenses in the NBA and the worst? Well, things are never one thing, right?"
"Before this stretch, the Raptors were the 2nd most efficient pull up team in the NBA and didn't rely on them often (bottom 10 in volume). Since then, they've jumped into the top half of the league in volume, and fallen to the bottom 8 in efficiency. They've gone from the middle of the pack as a driving team, to the bottom 3."
"Scottie Barnes has been very strong, for his part. You wouldn't turn your nose up at 21.5ppg / 8.8rbs / 6apg on 62% true shooting. He's done it, honestly, with more defensive attention directed his way. He's driven more, and been more efficient on those drives. He's been clever in how he uses his physicality and his finesse has met the moment as well, but he isn't a rising tide lifting all boats."
Over eight games, the Raptors fell to the worst offensive rating in the NBA after starting the season among the league's most efficient offenses in the tracking era. The decline coincides with RJ Barrett's injury and includes a shift toward more pull-up attempts with much lower efficiency, a drop from middle-of-the-pack to bottom-three status as a driving team, and severe spot-up struggles despite average catch-and-shoot numbers. Scottie Barnes has produced 21.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 6 assists with 62% true shooting while absorbing more defensive attention. Quickley has increased scoring without efficiency loss, but roster limitations hinder overall offense.
Read at Raptors Republic
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