Scottie Barnes of the Raptors discusses the meaning of being named an All-Star…
Scottie Barnes refused to let his mind wander. When he received the call from the NBA office letting him know he had been chosen as an injury replacement for the All-Star Game, there was some immediate euphoria. As he and the Toronto Raptors got ready to play the Charlotte Hornets earlier this month, he celebrated with his teammates, but following a quick statement, it was back to business.
“I’ll probably think about it tonight, but right now I’m focusing on the season, and we have some time off,” Barnes remarked after Toronto’s final game before the All-Star Break. I still find it bizarre and strange. Playing in the All-Star Game is insane. It is merely a dream.I haven’t given it much thought, but I suppose it’s just a dream. But I’m simply overjoyed. I’m fortunate. Having been selected for the Rising Stars’ Game in each of his first two seasons, this will be Barnes’ third trip to All-Star Weekend.
Alongside Tyrese Maxey, he memorably competed in the clutch competition in 2022, embarrassing the then-rookie forward by missing four consecutive floaters. “I know it’s going to be exciting to be able to play in an all-star game,” Barnes stated. “This weekend is going to be enjoyable. I just want to take it all in, have fun, and spend my first All-Star game with my family. Thus, it will be a pleasant gathering; bring along some friends. On Sunday at 8 p.m. ET, Barnes will play for the East.
In the East, head coach Doc Rivers will start Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, and Jayson Tatum in addition to another frontcourt player of his choosing. Bam Adebayo, Paolo Banchero, Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young, and Barnes will make up the bench. Kevin Durant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic will be the leaders in the West. Karl-Anthony Towns, Paul George, Anthony Edwards, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, and Kawhi Leonard will all come off the bench. Along with Young and Maxey, Barnes will compete in the skills competition on Saturday night at 8 p.m. ET.
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