Scottie Barnes was a bit of a surprising pick for some people when the Toronto Raptors chose him 4th overall in the 2021 NBA draft. He’s proved any doubts that people may have entertained about him wrong though, showing an excellent all-around game and becoming one of the most impressive rookies of his draft class. Barnes averaged 15.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, helping lead the Raptors to the playoffs.
His performances have earned plaudits from across the NBA, Raptors legend Kyle Lowry gave him his props, while he has also been described as the most impactful rookie by certain executives in the NBA. The highest praise has now come from one of the greatest to ever play the game though, with Magic Johnson likening the way Barnes plays to how he used to play.
“There’s definitely a lot of Showtime in him. He can do everything on the basketball court, much like myself.”
Magic is arguably the most complete player the NBA has ever seen, his size, court vision and basketball IQ made him one of the greatest to ever do it. Of course, as a rookie, Magic would go on to win Finals MVP and impress greatly, something Barnes is unlikely to be able to do. Regardless, this vote of confidence in his game will surely give the youngster a boost when he goes into his sophomore season in the NBA next year.
Barnes will be looking to improve drastically on his game this offseason, and if he can start passing at a high level, he will quickly level up to being one of the best in the NBA. Whether he has what it takes to make that leap remains to be seen, but with a solid setup in Toronto and backing from all-time greats like Magic, there’s no reason he shouldn’t be able to do it.
