Toronto Raptors: Kevin Durant was in awe of Scottie Barnes’ potential

Just a few months after the Toronto Raptors selected him with the No. 4 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Scottie Barnes has already established himself as one of the best players in this class. Even in a matchup against Kevin Durant and the mighty Brooklyn Nets, Barnes manages to hold his own.

While most rookies are typically being eased into action at this point in their careers, Barnes has been thrust directly into the fire, guarding players like Durant and James Harden frequently during Sunday’s loss. Barnes was drafted to be a defensive stalwart, and he looks like he’s accomplishing that goal.

Even though he only scored eight points against the Nets, his ability to generate offense by forcing a turnover on defense or slicing to the rim in half-court sets drew the attention of Durant. KD knows that he’s going to face off against Barnes plenty in the next few years.

Durant complimented Barnes by saying that his “IQ for the game” in addition to his length and enthusiasm, stood out. After adding in more praise about Barnes’ competitive fire and ability to slow down the game during his rookie season, Durant was shocked that he’s able to do all of this at just 20 years old.

When you’re getting praise from someone like Durant in your ninth NBA game, you’re doing something right.

Kevin Durant knows that Toronto Raptors rookie Scottie Barnes is a star.

Due to Cade Cunningham’s injury and an up-and-down start from Jalen Green, Barnes and Cavaliers standout Evan Mobley shot right up to the center of the Rookie of the Year discussion. They’ve both been so good that the question of which one is better may just come down to personal preference.

Even with that, I don’t think a single Raptors fan is regretting the Barnes pick right now. Everyone knew he’d defend well at the NBA level, but his offensive improvement is jaw-dropping.

He looks nothing like the player we saw at Florida State. In addition to the mid-range game becoming a lethal weapon, he’s been able to attack the rim and scoop up just over three offensive rebounds per game. Barnes can’t even drink legally in America, and he’s already an impact player in Canada.

Barnes was one of the best players in a game that saw Pascal Siakam return to the floor for the first time this season. If Scottie keeps this up, the Raptors’ offense should be able to finally start clicking on all cylinders.

Making predictions about how Scottie Barnes will play years down the road is foolish, but Durant is seeing all of the same things Raptors fans and mass media as a whole are witnessing. This won’t be the last time No. 4 and No. 7 lock horns.