WATCH: Toronto Raptors’ Rookie Scottie Barnes Shows He’s Eager to Be the Next Kawhi Leonard

The high-priority college player Scottie Barnes has finally turned into an NBA player. The 20-year old recently got drafted to the Toronto Raptors as the fourth overall pick. Barnes, who played for the NSU University in Florida State, is already showing traits of another Kawhi Leonard of the league.

After an impressive high school term on the court, Scottie Barnes was named as the fourth-best player in the 2020 recruiting class by ESPN. All eyes are on the new Raptors point-forward while his personality is on the same lines as LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard.

In a recent interview, Barnes told, “I’m a fun guy, I’m a funny guy.” That sounds like Leonard after getting drafted in the league.

“I’m a fun guy, I’m a funny guy.”

Scottie Barnes already channeling his inner Kawhi

(via @Sportsnet)pic.twitter.com/4NNd3ToIEe

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 18, 2021

Scottie Barnes is off to a good start amongst Toronto fans

The 6-foot-8-inch Barnes has already settled himself with the Toronto fanbase. Alongside his Raptors teammates, including  Goran Dragic, Sam Dekker, Freddie Gillespie, and Ishmail Wainwright, Barnes was seen roaming around the streets of Toronto.

His jolly off-court charm has taken over the league with a surprise. Kawhi is one of the most hilarious men in the league. His pranks and poker-face humor are often witnessed in interviews and press conferences. And now Barnes is on a similar track.

Jan 29, 2021; Orlando, Florida, USA; LA Clippers guard Reggie Jackson (1) and forward Kawhi Leonard (2) celebrate a basket to end the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

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The early days of young Barnes

Barnes played for the national junior teams as well and bagged three golds out there. These were from the 2017 FIBA U16 Americas Championship, 2018 FIBA U17 World Championship, and 2019 FIBA U19 World Championship. His point guard abilities from freshman days and defensive versatility are what defines his game in the time.

With his personality, Barnes is also seen as the young Kawhi by analysts while playing basketball. The Toronto Raptors’ new addition is yet to take on the NBA league pressure. Are you convinced with the Barnes-Kawhi linkage? Let us know in the comments.

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