Toronto Raptors coach doubles down on bold Scottie Barnes prediction

When Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković called Scottie Barnes the "future face of the league" two years ago, NBA media laughed in his face.

The comment came following a one-sided loss to the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2023-24 season, when Rajaković said Barnes would not only become an All-Star, but one of the future faces of the NBA.

Now, through four playoff games against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Barnes is making a strong case for Rajaković's prediction.

Stephen A. Smith has an issue with Darko Rajaković calling Scottie Barnes the future face of the league

“Face of the league? Somebody needs to remind him of who Anthony Edwards is along with various others.” (h/t @BasketballOnX ) pic.twitter.com/gpYGKsdRHE — NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 10, 2024

Barnes has averaged 25.7 points through the first four games of the series and ranks ahead of NBA stars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum in offensive rating.

After recording 23 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three blocks to help carry the Raptors to a 93-89 win in Game 4, Rajaković was asked about his earlier comments and whether Barnes has emerged into that "face of the league" type of player yet.

Rajaković said after Sunday's game that, given the calibre of a player like Barnes, he still expects more.

"Scottie right now, the way he's playing, he's at 60 per cent of the player he's going to be in two or three years," Rajaković said.

"He's going to be one of the best players in this league. He's already one of the best players in the league," he continued.

Darko Rajaković after Game 4 on his Scottie Barnes comments from two years ago:

“I expect more from Scottie. The way he’s playing now is only 60% of the player he’s going to be in 2-3 years. He will be one of the best players in this league.”#WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/RPVwgzhrKL — Marley Dickinson (@marleydickinson) April 26, 2026

Barnes has been the only player in this first-round series to record more than 20 points and five assists in each of the four games. He's been the most consistent Raptors player on the floor and has found a way to contribute regardless if his shots are going down.

His leadership has also resonated with his Raptors teammates.

Raptors forward Brandon Ingram has had his fair share of struggles in the first three games of this playoff series, but before delivering a game- and series-high 23-point performance in Game 4, Barnes told him to go out and be himself.

"Scottie leading by example gives me confidence to do what I've been doing on the basketball court," Ingram told reporters post-game. "He really propels me for the game."

Rajaković also applauded Barnes's leadership, saying he was doing most of the talking during timeouts, encouraging teammates, getting them to lock in, and focus on the next play.

One of Game 4's biggest moments came following a timeout when the Raptors were trailing by one point with 40 seconds remaining.

Jamal Shead forces an 8-second violation and it's Raptors ball! pic.twitter.com/06FmtyJuHc

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 26, 2026

Barnes and Jamal Shead applied full-court pressure on Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, and ended up forcing a turnover that substantially shifted the game's momentum.

On the next possession, Barnes drew a foul and calmly sank two free throws to put the Raptors into the lead with 35 seconds to go.

"That's what makes him so special," Rajaković said. "How much he cares about winning—it pushes him forward to do whatever it takes to win a game."

With Sunday's win, the series will return to Toronto on May 1 for Game 6, which could become a potential closeout game if the Raptors carry their momentum into Cleveland on Wednesday.