Raptors solidify seventh-best lottery odds following loss to visiting Portland Trail Blazers

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Scottie Barnes is a multi-talented player who has a presence on both sides of the floor.

One of his talents does not include draining shots.

Naturally, there are nights when his shot is falling, but often his they aren’t.

During his pre-game availability Thursday, head coach Darko Rajakovic admitted his star player’s right hand or shooting hand has been bothering Barnes for a while.

“If you’re trying to shoot the ball with three fingers, it changes your shot,” said Rajakovic.

Which begs the question why is Barnes shooting the ball and why is he even on the court with nothing to play for as the club awaits its draft fate at next month’s lottery.

In Chicago, Barnes went 4-for-14 in Toronto’s 112-103 loss to the Bulls.

In his past 15 games heading into Thursday’s tip against visiting Portland, Barnes had launched 44 three-pointers and made but 11.

He made an 11-foot jumper on his first attempt against Portland and then missed a pull-up jumper from 17 feet.

He missed a three-point heave and would finish the opening half with as many turnovers (2) as makes, while the teams combined for 22 turnovers.

Barnes took the Raptors’ first two shots to begin the second half, both inside the paint, both failing to drop.

His second three-point heave also missed.

Barnes went 2-for-8 in 27 minutes before taking a seat on the bench with 7:33 remaining in a game Portland would prevail, 112-103, on the strength of Canadian Shaedon Sharpe’s 3 6 points, which matched his career-best for the native of London, Ont.

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Former Raptor and Rexdale’s own Dalano Banton added 23 points for the Blazers.

Rajakovic said Barnes’ hand requires rest and that this coming off-season will be spent on working on his shot.

No kidding.

Speaking of kids, the team’s young group once again was given an extended run way against a Blazers team not exactly dotted with experience.

On this night, at least the franchise’s 30th anniversary celebrations continued with Terrence Ross, a former first-round pick who dropped 51 against the L.A. Clippers, and Toronto natives and Raptors’ broadcasting day-oners Leo Rautins and Paul Jones, being feted.

Toronto plays host to Detroit Friday night in the Raptors’ penultimate home game.