Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes isn’t just preparing for next season, he’s making it personal. After enduring a turbulent 2024–25 campaign that saw the Raptors miss the playoffs for a third straight year, Barnes took to social media to clap back at critics and declare his mission for the upcoming season.
In a post on X, Barnes didn’t hold back:
“It’s a lot of people on this app that don’t watch ball man 🤦🏽♂️ just be chattin. it’s coo we got a lot to prove this yr. let’s get back to the playoffs.”
it’s a lot of people on this app that don’t watch ball man🤦🏽♂️just be chattin. it’s coo we got a lot to prove this yr. let’s get back to the playoffs
— Scott Barnes (@ScottBarnes561) August 4, 2025
Barnes has been vocal about his distaste for the idea of rebuilding or tanking. “I just want to win now,” he said earlier in the offseason. That mindset has defined his approach, even playing through injuries like a MCP joint contusion late last season. “Why would I not go out there?” he told reporters. “Nothing’s stopping me. I love playing basketball.”
With a revamped roster and a renewed sense of urgency, Barnes is setting the tone for a Raptors squad hungry to return to relevance. His vow to “get back to the playoffs” isn’t just talk, it’s a challenge to his teammates, his critics, and himself.
