The No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft found about the honor from Raptors legend Vince Carter, who won the same award in 1998. Carter recorded a video that was shown during Raptors practice ahead of their Game 4 playoff against the 76ers on Saturday.
The former Raptor didn‘t just come out and tell Barnes he won the award, building the suspense around what announcement he could be making.
“I know you’re busy and locked in for the game, I get it, but, I just want to say I’ve truly enjoyed watching you play this year,” Carter said.