Scottie Barnes is the figurehead, the centerpiece, the focal point of the Toronto Raptors and their rebuild. While this season has been far from a successful one in the win-loss column for the Raptors, there are constant signs of encouragement reassuring everyone watching that things are headed in the right direction for Toronto.

The Raptors don’t get much of a spotlight in the U.S. unless the team is a contender. That said, Barnes still managed to win rookie of the year over the likes of Evan Mobley and Cade Cunningham, so the message got out on him that year at least and he also has made an all-star appearance.