Raptors Future: Is Scottie Barnes more Aaron Gordon or Giannis Antetokounmpo?

Is Scottie Barnes the next Aaron Gordon?

Like Scottie Barnes, Aaron Gordon was drafted fourth overall, going one pick after Joel Embiid in the 2014 NBA Draft. He started more slowly than Barnes, but by his fourth season he broke out and began receiving Most Improved Player votes. He took on more of the scoring and playmaking role while also trying to maintain a high impact on defense.

It became clear that while Gordon thought of himself as LeBron James, he was actually more of a Draymond Green, and the Orlando Magic needed to deploy him as such. It wasn't until he arrived in Denver, however, that he found the right role and truly blossomed.

Last year Gordon received significant All-Star consideration and he was the third-best player on a championship team. Alongside the scoring and passing of Nikola Jokic he was the perfect combination of defensive maven and offensive play finisher, be it on corner 3-pointers or smashing lob passes into the hoop.

Gordon entered the league and looked like a player who could turn into a star, but eventually found his place as an elite role player. Will Barnes' strong third season prove to be an anomaly? Will his basketball destiny prove to be as a defensive, play-finishing support player?