One Player is Single-Handedly Changing the Game for the Raptors and It's Not Pascal Siakam

Scottie Barnes is beginning to assert his claim as the undisputed leader of the Toronto Raptors and as his team heads into a crucial stretch of the season, there could not be a more welcome return for head coach Darko Rajakovic.

According to Raptors analyst Eric Smith, Barnes brings an entirely different dynamic to the team, differentiating himself from the more outspoken leaders that fans have become accustomed to around the league.

‘I think Scottie Barnes is the kind of leader that guys want to follow because he's a worker, he's a doer, and I think guys are drawn to that more than just the talkers,’ said Smith on a recent podcast appearance.

To a large extent, this new style of leadership that Barnes brings has been needed in Toronto, especially given the losses of pivotal locker room figures during the off-season. With familiar faces departing, it was always going to be an uphill task convincing young players to step up and take on a bigger role.

However, Eric Smith maintains that, with Barnes' newfound presence on the court, the rest of the players seem more confident to open up and express themselves on the talent-packed roster, creating multiple layers of scoring options and an uptick in team defense statistics.

It also speaks volumes to the development and growth that Barnes has experienced over the course of the season so far. There's an aura surrounding the team that's a little difficult to put your finger on, but undeniable nonetheless – that intangible which makes winners truly stand out.

His versatility on both ends of the court will undoubtedly make his job as a leader easier. In some instances, the ability to set the tempo while switching fluidly between defense and offense without completely disrupting the team's momentum has seen him essentially become a multi-tool. And this adds a ton of value to any team seeking to bolster their title aspirations.

Moreover, Barnes knows his own game well enough to be as proactive as possible when team events unfold out of his control. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the team has been 'quietly' impressed by Barnes and has been considering several longer-term options at season's end to ensure that Barnes stays put.

At this juncture, the critical thing that Scottie Barnes needs to be keenly aware of is that there are indeed big expectations surrounding his young shoulders, as fans and coaches look on hopefully to this young player's budding leadership to galvanize their beloved team for what would be another spirited postseason run.