Scottie Barnes reveals the question Toronto Raptors fans ask him most

It's been years since there was this much hype surrounding the Toronto Raptors heading into a new season.

But with Kawhi Leonard back in the picture, it's almost expected.

The Raptors enter the season as an NBA title contender and tip off their 2026-27 campaign Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena against the Chicago Bulls.

Ahead of the season opener, Raptors star Scottie Barnes was asked by reporters whether he could feel the hype around the city.

Kyle Ross/Imagn Images

Barnes, being the unique personality that he is, gave an unexpected, yet hilarious response.

"I don't really go outside much," Barnes said with a laugh.

"But if I am out in public, it's what people are talking to me about. 'How's Kawhi?!' and things like that."

TSN's Josh Lewenberg followed up by asking Barnes what he tells fans when they want to know how Kawhi is actually doing.

The two-time All-Star keeps it real.

"I say, 'he's pretty good.'"

I asked Scottie Barnes if he’s felt the buzz/experiment in/around the city going into the season. He said he doesn’t go outside much (😂) but sees it on social media. When he is out in public, most people ask about Kawhi. What does he tell them? “I say he’s pretty good.” https://t.co/71ILF7vhEn

— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) October 20, 2026

Barnes and Leonard have played just two preseason games together, but the duo was highly effective when sharing the court. They posted a combined plus-minus of +36 in those games, which shouldn't come as a huge surprise given they're two of the league's best two-way players.

Despite all the hype around the problems Barnes and Leonard could cause opposing teams, the 25-year-old isn't caught up in the noise.

"Other than the hype, we just gotta be ourselves and go out there and win games — that's our main goal," he said.

The Raptors will have a somewhat challenging start to the season, with six of their first 10 games on the road. Their toughest stretch will come in mid-November, when Toronto plays the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks (twice), Philadelphia 76ers, and Detroit Pistons all over a six-game stretch.

The team officially announced its roster on Monday, with six new faces set to make their Raptors debuts Wednesday night vs. the Bulls.