Raptors rookie Scottie Barnes excited to play first home opener

The Raptors are tipping off their 26th season Wednesday night, when they host the Washington Wizards at the Scotiabank Arena. It’s their first regular-season home game in more than 600 days.

There will be a lot of excitement in the building from fans but also Raptors rookie Scottie Barnes. Fans of Canada’s only NBA team were quickly won over by the Florida native, with his high energy on the court and infectious personality.

CityNews sports reporter Lindsay Dunn spoke with the 20-year-old before the home opener.

Lindsay Dunn: Scottie, the day is finally here – you will be making your regular-season debut in the NBA as a Toronto Raptor. Have you actually thought about that moment – hearing your name called and having the fans cheer you on for the first time at a home opener?

Scottie Barnes: I thought about it a little bit. You just know it’s just going to be crazy because the fans, they just can’t wait to get back in the arena and see the Raptors playing right in front of their faces. It’s going to be a packed house, but I’m not going to really be able to have that experience until I really get there. So I’m just waiting for that moment.

LD: Before even hitting the hardcourt as a Raptor during a regular-season game there is a Scottie Barnes frenzy across the country. Fans are excited to see what you will do on the court but also what hilarious moments you are going to have away from the game. What has life been like for you since you were drafted?

SB: From day one since I got drafted, I just felt the love from Canada. All over the country people congratulating me and everything I do on social media. No matter if it’s just me having fun walking around the city, doing whatever, they just blow it up because they just try to show that love, that they love me and they approved of me all around the country, the whole all of Canada. So I just fell in love since day one, and it’s been great.

Photo: Scottie Barnes’ post on Instagram

LD: We already saw you hyped-up in your preseason game when you had your name called, but has it actually sunk in yet that after all your hard work, you’ve officially made it to the NBA? 

SB: Oh, of course! Right when I got drafted and went back to my hotel, I just felt it right away. With my family being there, all my friends showing me love and being able to make West Palm Beach, my city where I am from, proud. I felt it the moment I got drafted.

LD: I thought for sure you were going to say it was when Drake invited you to his house!

SB: [Laughs] Yeah, that’s the Brodie man!

LD: How much do you pay attention to the rankings or anything surrounding the team? Are you paying attention to where some experts have the Raptors projected for this season and where you stand in the Rookie of the Year conversation?

SB: Of course. I’m worried about the team, but I’m also going to try to strive to be as good as I can be. So of course I’ll try to go for it [Rookie of the Year], I’m not just going to let it slip out of my hands. I’m gonna play each and every game as best as possible, but I also try to go with it and play as best with the team and just try to improve every single day on the floor. That’s the most important thing right now.

LD: You have won over your teammates quickly. From Goran Dragić to Fred Vanvleet, they have spoken about your work ethic and the energy you bring. Who is one of the players you’re talking to on or off the court about your game?

SB: I talk to everyone and am trying to build friendships. Everyone has helped me get better because they’ve been here for a while. I just talk to everybody about everything, just about life in general. So I’m just a really open guy. I like to talk to them all and build this chemistry.

LD: Who are you most looking forward to going one-on-one with on the court during the regular season?

SB: It’s really not just one person really. It’s so many people in the league. That’s for real, you just see them on TV and you’re like, ‘wow, I’m really just ready to play against all the competition in person and see what they’re about.’ I’m just ready to see that reality.

LD: You talk about seeing if it’s real or not. I’ve spoken to players over the years who talk about how the transition from playing college basketball to the NBA can be a challenge. What part of your game do you feel has transitioned the best and what is one part of your game you are working on?

SB: Just being able to run the floor and scoring in transition I think has worked. And then probably just opening up my game and being able to find space easier on the floor.

LD: The Raptors have been known for their fun rookie initiations, what have they done to you so far? 

SB: Oh, so far it’s just a bag that say’s ‘I’m cute’ and that’s really it. So it’s coming. I know it.

Photo: Scottie Barnes’ post on Instagram