3 Players Scottie Barnes could turn into, from MVP to a flash in the pan

Mid-Tier: Bam Adebayo

Scottie Barnes is currently operating as a point forward, playing power forward defensively while being a primary playmaker and shot-creator on offense. There is a version of his career in the coming years where he adds strength and begins to play minutes at center in dynamic "small" lineups, and in that case, the similarities between he and Miami Heat big Bam Adebayo would increase.

Adebayo is listed at 6'9" with a 7'1" wingspan and checking in at 225 pounds; Barnes is 6'7" but has a 7'2" wingspan and is listed at 227 pounds, so the physical similarities are there. They also have similar skillsets as high-end defensive playmakers, strong rebounders and savvy playmakers. Adebayo's fourth season looks very similar to Barnes' third season in terms of scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and blocks.

Adebayo's defensive impact as a rim protector and switch defender is better than Barnes, and was even at similar ages. Even as more of a "big" he is a better perimeter defender than Barnes. Yet Barnes is also a better on-ball scorer and a significantly better shooter. For his career to transition into Adebayo's he would need Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett to develop into on-ball stars and decrease his usage, allowing him to further excel as a defender and rebounder.

Even if Barnes remains an on-ball star, the overall accolades and standing in the league are a reasonable mid-tier projection. At the age of 27 Adebayo has been a five-time All-Defense selection and a three-time All-Star, and he is perennially ranked among the Top 20 players in the league. He is not driving a winning team on his own, but alongside another star in Jimmy Butler his versatility and two-way impact have helped the Heat reach the NBA Finals twice in his young career.