Raptors vs. Magic means first Barnes and Suggs battle

Leading up to this year’s NBA draft there was a lot of talk about what the Raptors would do with the fourth pick, the franchise’s highest selection since 2006.

Would it be standout Gonzaga guard Jalen Suggs, the flashier, more well known option, or intriguing point-forward Scottie Barnes, who came off the bench for Florida State but flew a bit under the radar?

The mock draft experts and what sure felt like the bulk of the fanbase thought Toronto would pick Suggs, but of course the team famously zagged and didn’t pick the former ‘Zag, Suggs, instead opting for Barnes.

The former USA Basketball teammates will meet for the first time on Friday night in Toronto, so it was a given that all of this came up again after Raptors practice on Thursday, not that Barnes or head coach Nick Nurse wanted to talk extensively about it.

“I think it makes sense that it is a thing. It was probably the one spot in the draft that people really focussed in on,” Nurse said.

“For a long time, everybody thought it would go the opposite way, probably, and it went the way it went.”

Barnes pointed out that he and Suggs are actually close, having been former teammates representing their country.

“Me and Suggs are great friends. He’s like a brother to me. I know his whole family, he knows mine. Of course we’re going to be competing at the highest level, trying to get the best of each other (in their first meeting),” Barnes said.
“Social media’s gonna do its thing regardless of what happens (by comparing them). They’re gonna do their thing. I don’t think it matters to either of us. We’re both happy for each other. We wish each other the best of luck,” Barnes said.
“We’re both excited. We saw each other in the back room. We’re just so proud of each other. Like I said, we’re family. We’ve been knowing each other since I was like 15, 14. We just connected, bonded. We’re very happy for each other.”

Barnes has looked outstanding for a rookie, aside from 1-for-6 three-point shooting, averaging 17 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists on 54% shooting, while Suggs has gotten off to a slower start, shooting just 29% from the field so far. But nobody is concerned about Suggs, given his pedigree.