Shifting focus from all the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talk and other trade hoopla, we turn to Raptors cornerstone Scottie Barnes, who is reportedly a top candidate to join the Jamaican national basketball team.
As Daniel Blake of The Jamaica Observer would note in an X post, Barnes is just one player among a set of other NBA talents who are being scouted to bolster Jamaica's growing national team.
Raptors star Scottie Barnes discussed to join Jamaican national team
The other names listed by Blake include Pistons bully big Isaiah Stewart and Spurs defensive stalwart Devin Vassell. In addition, Blake mentions the Thompson twins Amen and Ausar, who are also expected to join the Jamaican national team roster after beginning their passport applications last week. As Blake notes, the twins' father is of Jamaican descent.
Blake has also previously reported on ex-Raptors swingman Norman Powell's commitment to Team Jamaica, alongside Timberwolves youngster Josh Minott, while highlighting the national squad's interest in adding Suns center Nick Richards.
Turning back to Scottie Barnes, whose father is also Jamaican, this is a significant development in his career as it offers him a chance to make an impact on the international basketball stage, potentially becoming a key figure of the squad.
With all due respect to Amen Thompson and Norman Powell, likely the other two top stars for the Jamaican national team, Barnes's previous All-Star and Rookie of the Year honors clearly set him apart from the rest.
Though it's important to note that Barnes, along with the other previously mentioned players—excluding Norman Powell and Josh Minott—are not yet officially committed to the Jamaican national team. Be that as it may, their goal to attract the best talent of Jamaican heritage from the NBA is clearly evident.
With pre-qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA World Cup set for August, more news is likely to emerge about Jamaica's efforts to assemble a strong roster, and hopefully Barnes will find the chance to jump at this opportunity.
If the hypothetical round-up of Barnes and company can deliver a dominant showing, it could mark the beginning of their path toward Olympic qualification in 2028.