West Palm basketball star, NBA's Scottie Barnes: What to know about his injury

Eric J. Wallace, Palm Beach Post

Toronto Raptors star Scottie Barnes enters April on an extended injury absence that raises questions whether the young star from West Palm Beach will play again in 2024.

Barnes suffered broken metacarpals in his left hand on March 1 and underwent surgery with an indefinite timeline to return, derailing the best campaign of his pro career.

The third-year pro is averaging a career-best in points (19.9), rebounds (8.2) and assists (6.0) as the focal point in Toronto's rebuild. Barnes was also selected as an All-Star for the first time in 2024.

Barnes has missed 14 games since his injury with no significant update on his schedule to return. The Raptors' recent record raises questions whether there is any reason for Barnes to play.

Recent coverage: Best photos from Scottie Barnes Basketball Camp

Eastern Conference forward Scottie Barnes (4) of the Toronto Raptors fist bumps fans as he leaves the court Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, during the 73rd NBA All-Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis.
Eastern Conference forward Scottie Barnes (4) of the Toronto Raptors fist bumps fans as he leaves the court Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, during the 73rd NBA All-Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis.

When did Scottie Barnes get injured?

Barnes broke the middle finger of his left hand when he hit the rim while trying to block a shot with 1:56 left in the first half of a loss to the Golden State Warriors on March 1.

He left the game and did not return. His surgery and indefinite schedule to return was announced shortly.

Are the Raptors out of playoff contention?

The Raptors have lost 12 of 13 games since Barnes' injury and slid to a 23-51 record entering April, good for 12th place in the Eastern Conference. The top eight from each conference qualify for the playoffs.

Toronto won its first game after the Barnes injury but has lost 13 straight since, the worst current losing streak in the NBA.

The Raptors have just eight games remaining in the regular season.

What to know about Scottie Barnes hand injury

Raptors forward Scottie Barnes argues with an official during a game against the Suns at the Footprint Center.
Raptors forward Scottie Barnes argues with an official during a game against the Suns at the Footprint Center.

There have been few formal updates on Barnes' return to the court since his injury.

Barnes spoke to reporters in a media session on March 13 and confirmed there was no timeline to return. He was seen taking shots at Raptors team practice on March 29.

In early March, Toronto Sun reporter Frank Zicarelli raised the question of shutting down Barnes in a column that questioned the necessity of his return.

LaMelo Ball among other injury shutdowns

Barnes isn't the only young NBA star facing decisions of whether to return in 2024.

Fellow former Rookie of the Year and All-Star Lamelo Ball was shut down by the Charlotte Hornets on March 26 after sitting out nearly two months with an ankle injury.

Scottie Barnes was born in West Palm Beach

Scottie Barnes dunks against one of the registered youth basketball players in his partnered instructional camp. After a number of drills, Barnes stepped onto the court and tested kids' skills, and certainly didn't shy from impressing at the rim - much to the kids' enjoyment.
Scottie Barnes dunks against one of the registered youth basketball players in his partnered instructional camp. After a number of drills, Barnes stepped onto the court and tested kids' skills, and certainly didn't shy from impressing at the rim - much to the kids' enjoyment.

Barnes played his freshman season of varsity high school basketball with Cardinal Newman before NSU University and Montverde Academy his final three seasons.

He has returned to Palm Beach County in recent offseasons to host a training camp for local basketball players hoping to learn from a local great.

Eric J. Wallace is deputy sports editor for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at ejwallace@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Scottie Barnes injury NBA news update: Will Raptors shut down star?

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