Florida State Seminoles guard Scottie Barnes on Saturday said it would mean everything to him to potentially become a top-five pick this year in the NBA draft.
Barnes, who was named the ACC Freshman of the Year, averaged 10.3 points, 4.1 assists, four rebounds and 1.5 steals in 24 games with the Seminoles. He has drawn comparisons to Draymond Green given his ability on defense and willingness to do the little things on the court.
The 6-foot-8 product helped raise his draft stock significantly following his performance at the combine. He registered a 7-foot-2 wingspan at the combine and the second-fastest shuttle run, clocking in at 2.99 seconds on the court.
Barnes is most commonly projected to be the sixth overall pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder but is thought to have the best chance of climbing into the top five. That, he said on Saturday after working out with the Orlando Magic, would bring him instant gratification.
“I would say it just shows my hard work, effort and what I put into the game with my love and my passion; everything that I put into the game,” Barnes said. “It would just mean everything to me and my family. I worked hard for it and I deserve it.”
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Barnes emerged as a very good playmaker with FSU and had plenty of flashy passes throughout the season. He considers himself to be a point guard, but also believes he can play every position on the floor in certain situations if need be.
The Magic currently have the fifth and eighth picks in the first round and have been linked to Barnes. He could be an option for them when they are on the clock on July 29 and it would appear to be a strong match for both sides if that happens.
Certainly, Barnes would be quite happy if they took him with the fifth pick.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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