I just want to win now'

Barnes, Quickley vow return to top of NBA after signing long-term deals

- GILBERT NGABO

Scottie Barnes spent the end of last season on the sidelines nursing a hand injury, and could only watch as the Raptors crawled to an abysmal 25-57 record, far outside the playoff picture.

Now, with a lucrative long-term deal to extend his time in Toronto, the 22-year-old swears he is determined to help bring the franchise back to respectability.

“They say ‘rebuild’ but I just want to win now,” Barnes said Monday, following the team’s official announcement of his contract extension. The team didn’t reveal terms but it’s been widely reported as a five-year, $235-million (U.S.) deal that could jump to $270 million if Barnes is named to an all-NBA team or wins the league MVP or top defensive player award next season.

“That’s my mindset each and every single day. I want to win basketball games and rebuild this thing back to where it was; try to get back to the top of the (Eastern Conference) … I feel like the city deserves it.”