{
  "id": 11010281,
  "title": "Scottie Barnes says Toronto Raptors expectations haven’t changed, but goals have",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/scottie-barnes-says-toronto-raptors-expectations-havent-changed-but",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T19:03:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/basketball/2026/09/30/scottie-barnes-says-toronto-raptors-expectations-havent-changed-but-goals-have"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Scottie Barnes, the Toronto Raptors' all-star forward, insists the team's expectations have not changed since Kawhi Leonard's return. However, Barnes clarifies that their goals have shifted from a deep playoff run to winning the championship. Last season, Barnes averaged 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, while contributing to the team's fifth-ranked defence. With Leonard's arrival, the Raptors' defence is expected to improve further, aiding their playoff advancement. Barnes' primary goal for the upcoming season is to make the NBA's All-Defensive Team, having been on the second team last year. Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic believes Barnes can achieve this by maintaining his defensive prowess. Barnes acknowledges his star had its moment in the Toronto playoff loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers but remains focused on improving his offensive game, particularly in late-game situations.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Global News",
        "title": "Barnes says Raptors expectations haven’t changed",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/barnes-says-raptors-expectations-havent-changed",
        "published": "2026-09-30T19:04:18.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}