It was a great weekend for Scottie Barnes and the Toronto Raptors organization.
Barnes made his first All-Star Game appearance in Indianapolis on Feb. 18.
The forward certainly found himself in the mix to be an All-Star, but did not initially make the cut. Due to injuries to Joel Embiid and Julius Randle, Barnes got the nod as an injury replacement.
In 18 minutes of game time he put up 16 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. Barnes is currently having the best season of his career, so this is a step in the right direction for the new face of the Raptors franchise.
NBA legend and sharpshooter Reggie Miller recently showed some love to Barnes as he prepared to make his All-Star debut, via the Raptors X account:
“Congratulations man, it’s awesome. Enjoy this whole process, man. You’ll be here when you’re like LeBron in your 20th. I want to see that, same smile too!”
Miller is putting a bit of pressure on the forward by holding him to the same expectation of LeBron James. But, for someone who is now leading a franchise, he has to be able to handle that pressure and expectations.
However, it is great for a legend to share kind words and this will definitely help boost Barnes’ confidence as he continues to grow as a player.
A lot has happened in a short amount of time in Toronto, moving off two important pieces in Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby. Two guys that Barnes grew alongside are now gone, but he seems ready to embrace this new role.
Despite losing a ton this season, Barnes is turning heads and is gaining the attention of great NBA minds.
Scottie Barnes talks about his laid back personality
Now that Barnes is the main guy in Toronto, his personality is starting to show as he gains more media attention.
Specifically during All-Star Weekend as he participated in both the game and Skills Challenge. NBA fans were able to see the kind of person he is, someone who likes to have fun and not take things too seriously.
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