INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 20: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Florida State Seminoles (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The Toronto Raptors have selected Florida State freshman Scottie Barnes, a 6-8 forward, in the 2021 NBA Draft’s first round, so the surprise of many. Barnes leapfrogged point guard prospect Jalen Suggs on the Raptors draft board and got selected right after Cleveland drafted center Evan Mobley.
What Barnes offers the Raptors is the prototypical positionless player with a myriad of skills, energy, and versatility at both ends of the court. Barnes, if developed well, gives management visions of a player who could play in the post but also defend a point guard at the drop of a hat.