Over the past three seasons, Olynyk had played against the Toronto Raptors All-Star five times and had worked out with Barnes in the summer, recognizing his potential. Olynyk expressed his excitement to play with Barnes, describing him as a “jack of all trades” who has improved in many ways. However, it wasn’t until Saturday that Olynyk witnessed Barnes’ exceptional passing abilities up close, realizing his true potential as Toronto’s franchise cornerstone. Barnes’ impressive performance against the Cavaliers showcased his scoring abilities, but it was his passing that truly stood out. He made outstanding passes out of the pick-and-roll and from post-ups, impressing his coach and finishing the night with a season-high 10 assists. Barnes’ ability to impact the game in multiple ways and make those around him better sets him apart from other superstars in the league. His scoring will undoubtedly improve over time, but it’s his combination of skills that will make him truly elite and a formidable opponent for any defense.
