Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic strongly believes that Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes deserve to be part of the NBA All-Star Game this season, as they are largely responsible for their 29-19 start, good for fourth in the Eastern Conference.
The Toronto Raptors stretched their winning run to four games following their 103-101 road win against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night. Ingram had 13 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two blocks, while Barnes flirted with a triple-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and three blocks.
“I think the coaches understand who Scottie Barnes is and what he does to their teams, and also Brandon Ingram. So, to be honest with you, I expect both of those guys to get All-Star selection. They definitely deserve it,” Rajakovic stated.
“I know playing against Brandon Ingram for years with my previous teams, he’s always helpful, and I see him as an All-Star. No doubt at all,” he continued. “Scottie, he’s the only player in the NBA that’s in the top 25 in every single category. That says a lot about his versatility and how much he is affecting winning.”
Toronto Raptors react to Jamal Shead’s Rising Stars snub
On the other hand, Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead was omitted from the upcoming Rising Stars competition, which many believe is an egregious mistake. However, Shead doesn’t seem to be overly concerned about it.
“I think everybody that made it is having really good years and contributing to their teams. So, I’m not really worried about that. We got 2 guys that deserve to be in it also (Collin Murray-Boyles and Alijah Martin), and I’m really proud of them,” Shead told TSN Sports’ Josh Lewenberg.
“It’s actually crazy, honestly… We know what type of player he is. He’s elite on both ends of the floor,” Immanuel Quickley said of snubbing Shead.
