After Jalen Suggs led Gonzaga to an impressive college season, his draft stock immensely ascended despite losing to Baylor in the National Championship. Suggs has the impressive ball-handling skills and long-range abilities for fans to notice his all-around skillset. With that, as Toronto Raptors selected Scottie Barnes with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft instead of Suggs, many pundits criticized the choice of Masai Ujiri.

Coming from Florida State, Barnes did not have eye-popping numbers because of the culture and system implemented by head coach Leonard Hamilton. Despite that, however, the Raptors were impressed with his work ethic and selfless mindset of wanting to win every single time (per The Athletic).

Now, in the first three games against the Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks, Barnes was phenomenal and showed he can be a threat offensively and defensively. When the Raptors were down by a huge deficit against the Wizards, Barnes was part of the lineup that led the charge of cutting down the final score to a respectable margin. His versatility and desire to flourish in any role given by head coach Nick Nurse is a commendable trait other rookies must emulate if they want to have long-term success at the NBA level.

After scoring 12 points and grabbing nine rebounds against Washington, Barnes followed it up with a fantastic 25-point and 13-rebound performance against the Celtics. Despite the absence of Pascal Siakam, Barnes and OG Anunoby have emerged as the consistent contributors for Toronto. Even with the surprising start from Barnes, his ability to rack up stats through sheer effort and determination is incredible.

With the upbringing and support of his family and coaches, Barnes has a circle that he heavily trusts despite the numerous crossroads he experienced in his life. Rookies tend to have that mentality of proving themselves by chucking up a plethora of shots or demanding the ball to facilitate for offense. With his constant support system, this is a major factor that propels Barnes to mature and grow as a professional athlete with the likely possibility of having a long NBA career.

Barnes has that intensity that could rub off his teammates and opponents differently, but that is an asset that the Raptors can certainly take advantage of. His ability to control his emotions and utilizing it in positive manner should be a sensational strength for the future of Toronto.

With the impending return of Siakam in the next few weeks, Toronto must be delighted with the core they are building on for the next few years. Barnes has star attributes in the making, which Ujiri probably saw while others failed to do so. It is likely why he went against the mock drafts and shocked the world with his draft selection.

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It is just early in the season, but the length and versatility of the front court of Siakam, Anunoby, Barnes, Chris Boucher and Precious Achiuwa gives the Raptors a slew of options to push the ball and disrupt any offense on the defensive end.

If that is not a jackpot, we don't know what it. The future certainly looks brighter than ever for the Canadian franchise.