It seems all the Raptors do is churn out Rookie of the Year winners.
First, there was Damon Stoudamire, who captured the illustrious award as an NBA freshman in 1996. Then, in 1999, after a dazzling career with North Carolina, Vince Carter took home top rookie honors.
Over two decades after Stoudamire and Carter’s awards, Scottie Barnes is the latest entry into this very specific, niche Toronto lore — He is the official 2021-2022 NBA Rookie of the Year.
I mean, there has to be something special in that Eastern Ontario air, right? Something that makes young, green players extremely comfortable in their new digs? It’s the only explanation.
Toronto Raptors‘ Scottie Barnes has won the 2021-22 NBA Rookie of the Year, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 23, 2022
The honor is well-earned for Barnes, who had a rookie campaign to remember. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 Draft brought Toronto a deft scoring touch (15.1 points per game) and stellar defensive instincts.
Barnes was a major reason the Raptors surprised many folks around the league this year. That 48-win season and the fifth seed in the East playoffs doesn’t happen without the services of the wiry 20-year-old small forward.
A clear basketball historian and Raptors appreciator, Carter shared the coolest message for Barnes after his accomplishment — which the team played for the rookie during a recent practice:
1998-99 Rookie of the Year and @Raptors legend Vince Carter lets Scottie Barnes know he's the 2021-22 #KiaROY! pic.twitter.com/6qGgRLmgJd
— NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2022
Man, that pride in Carter’s voice as he calls Barnes “my fellow Florida boy” is something else.
I don’t know how Barnes held in his inner basketball fan and didn’t erupt with joy over simply seeing Carter, but maybe that’s why he’s the top rookie. He knows when to pick his spots.
Scottie Barnes lifts his #KiaROY trophy! pic.twitter.com/FKLqqRrEhO
— NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2022
As an additional present for Barnes, he finally got to experience a home playoff win. His Raptors managed to stave off elimination from the playoffs with a 110-102 over the 76ers in Toronto on Saturday. They are down 3-1 in the first-round series.
Perhaps, if all goes well in the coming days, Barnes can spur a comeback for the ages. In that case, it definitely wouldn’t only be Carter and the Raptors expressing their pride for the tremendous rookie.
