2021 NBA Draft Scouting Report: SF Scottie Barnes

PSO’s original Scouting Reports strive to be uniquely valuable in evaluating a player’s future outlook by focusing on the four main subjects that summarize a player’s likelihood of succeeding at the next level including: Natural Athleticism, developed NBA-Caliber Skills, proven Production, and overall Risk that each individual player presents to a team drafting him. For a full breakdown of PSO’s Scouting Reports, click here.

BIO

Pos: SF

Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL

School: Florida State

Class: Freshman

DOB (Age): 8/1/01 (Age 19)

Height: 6’9″ | Weight: 225 lbs.

Wingspan: 7’2.8” | Vertical: 39.5 in.

INTERESTING FACTS

Played at 3 different HS, finishing at Montverde alongside #1 prospect Cade Cunningham
Won 3 gold medals with USA youth teams, broke a record for single game FT% for the U16 team going 8/8 in a game
4th 1-and-done player in FSU history joining Malik Beasley, Jonathan Isaac, and Patrick Williams

ATHLETICISM

Pros

Great frame; large wingspan and length; translates into him being a very versatile defender
Strong physique, very sturdy and difficult to move of off his spot
Good vertical leaper; not as explosive as most, but has the ability to play above the rim
Takes long strides, and builds power as he heads toward the basket; tough to take charge against
Quick hands; super active causing deflections or blocks all over the defensive end of the court
First step is a unique strength; able to get around defenders usually passing out of these situations

Cons

Not very fluid in general; most movements are rigid and tight with strength as the main component
Lateral quickness can use some work; upper body size makes up for this, but if improved will be able to contain more guards
Speed is not necessarily a strength; but he consistently hustles to make up for this

Grade: B+

NBA SKILLS

Pros

Incredibly high floor as a defender; has the potential to be 1st team all defense; can guard most players in the NBA
Tireless worker on both sides of the ball; always on the glass or hustling up the floor
Good passer with experience in college as a point guard; passes well and gets teammates involved
Has the potential to defend other teams best player on a nightly basis
Goes strong to the rim; often trying to finish with both hands or throw strong passes behind the arc
High motor player; can make large contributions in limited minutes

Cons

Outside shooting will need to slightly improve, form will need to be adjusted and quicker release is needed
Not a very developed offensive player; most of his points are from overpowering rather than go-to moves
Must become a threat to score outside the paint or could get the Ben Simmons treatment

Grade: B+

PRODUCTION

Pros

24.8 MPG; all stats for FSU players are naturally lower due to their deep rotation and quick substitutions
1.66 AST/TO ratio; good number a big guard, decreased as his PG role grew, but still impressive
1.5 SPG demonstrates playmaking ability of the defensive side of the ball
3.1 fouls/36 minutes; great for a defensive prospect, should not have issues staying on the floor
56% from inside the arc; efficiency in this area is key as he expands his range
Ability to stuff the stat sheet; always possible to have multi STL/BLK games; double-double threat in both AST and REB

Cons

.27 3P%; glaring weakness that is known throughout the league; needs to raise this number
.62 FT%; small sample size, but should be a goal to raise this to a respectable level
Only 5.8 REB/36 minutes; for someone with his intensity & athleticism tough to imagine this number staying so low

Grade: B+

RISK

Pros

DPOY ceiling; at worst will be a good defender, but has the potential to wreak havoc on that end of the floor
Knows how to play his role, ego is not an issue; played 2nd fiddle even as top recruit
Potential to become a great guard in a modern offense; flashes good passing skills
Strength should last throughout his career; will be a weapon against centers in small ball lineups
Accustomed to playing against top competition; high major conference player and #1 HS team senior year
Will turn 20 a few days after the draft; plenty of time to develop offensive game

Cons

Lack of shooting skills is a serious question; can he develop that part of his game into a weapon
Will he be able to handle big minutes at the next level or does he play better in short intense bursts
Poor free throw percentage means a shooting overhaul might be in order

Grade: B+

OVERALL

Despite being a highly touted recruit, Barnes did not burst onto the scene like his fellow top NCAA freshman. FSU always uses a very deep rotation, making it difficult to develop great production numbers to the eye. Barnes averaged 10 points, four rebounds, and four assists, playing only 24 minutes a game. During his time under Leonard Hamilton, he flashes his fantastic defensive potential and was also able to improve his guard skills. He heads into the draft on the rise with plenty of teams at the top of the draft eyeing him.

Barnes would have probably been off the radar in a different generation, but his versatility and 2-way potential make him one of the most unique prospects in his class. Barnes does a little bit of everything, but NBA teams see his defense as the best facet of his game.

The 6’9, 225 lb. prospect has a strong frame and a wide wingspan that should make him the primary on-ball defender in crunch time. With some experience, Barnes could elevate himself to an All-Defensive level. What is unique about Barnes does not show up in the stat sheet. He is constantly giving his total effort and is the type of player everyone wants on their team.

Pro Comp: Draymond Green (GSW)

Projected Rd/Pick: Early-Mid Lottery

Prime Destinations: ORL, OKC, SAC

OVERALL Grade: B+