Brooklyn Nets star forward Kevin Durant reacted to Scottie Barnes' blazing start to his career with the Toronto Raptors.
Durant and the Nets took care of business, defeating the Raptors early Sunday. After the game, Durant was asked on his thoughts of the young Raptor, Scottie Barnes. He responded with a great sign of respect, as noted by Bleacher Report.
Scottie Barnes earned KD's respect 🤝 pic.twitter.com/GjaGNSpzQ0
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 8, 2021
Durant had a great game Sunday, with 31 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists on 11-18 shooting. Barnes did not score much, but was all over the floor and helped keep the Raptors in the game. He finished with 8 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals. That's what I call a stat-stuffer.
One of those steals was off Durant, which led to a breakaway jam for Barnes.
Durant simply asked, “How old is he? 19? 20? Sheesh.”
Through nine games this season, Barnes is averaging over 17 points and nine rebounds per game, on a whopping 55% shooting. The Raptors have a new look this season, with many off season departures and acquisitions.
But Barnes is proving to be the biggest difference-maker early on.
Article Continues BelowThe NBA world was shocked when the Raptors selected him 4th overall ahead of Jalen Suggs. Suggs has struggled out of the gate in Orlando, shooting 33%.
Meanwhile, the Raptors have surprised a lot of people. They were thought to be in rebuilding mode this season. The Raptors are 6-5, despite the loss to Brooklyn Sunday. They are getting healthier too.
All-Star forward Pascal Siakam returned Sunday for the first time since off-season surgery. The Eastern Conference appears to be deeper and better than most projected, with Toronto and Scottie Barnes being a big part of that.