There are several extremely underrated players in the NBA, but Charles Barkley thinks a Toronto Raptors player deserves that title more than anyone else.
The Raptors made several key player signings before the start of the season, headlined by the re-acquisition and extension of Kawhi Leonard.
All the headlines have been about the 35-year-old, but Barkley has now raved about one of his new teammates: Scottie Barnes.
Charles Barkley says Scottie Barnes is the most underrated player in the NBA
Barnes is definitely one of the most talented players in the NBA.
The 25-year-old has been brilliant for the Raptors since he was picked up in the draft in 2021. He won Rookie of the Year that season and has since been a multi-time All-Star.
Barkley has clearly been impressed by what he has seen from Barnes over the years, so much so that he has branded him the most underrated player in the entire league.
On the Tip-Off Show recently, the Inside team were asked to name their favourite moves in the off-season, and Barkley had two names in his mind.
However, while naming his picks, he made sure to rave about Barnes.
He said: “I have two. Number one is Jaylen Brown. The Sixers are contenders. They would have been contenders without LeBron. Now, they are the prohibitive favourite in the East.
“And (number two is) Kawhi going back to Canada because you put him… I keep telling you, I think Scotty Barnes is the most underrated player in the NBA.”
Barkley also added: “Scotty Barnes was better than anybody he played with when they won the championship.”
The Raptors have started the season well, picking up a dominant 135-92 victory over the Chicago Bulls. Barnes had an impressive game, scoring 23 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Whether he is the most underrated player in the NBA is up for debate, but Barnes certainly is a key player for Toronto, and they will need him to be at his best to go the distance this season.
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