Raptors’ Scottie Barnes was just trying to enjoy his lunch when he became the star of a live news update on Thursday.
The all-star forward was hanging outside of the team’s practice facility, enjoying some lunch with his headphones draped around his neck, when CTV News reporter Sean Leathong went live on air.
Barnes was seen leaning against doors outside of the OVO Athletic Centre, enjoying some food in a takeout box as Leathong began to speak about general manager Bobby Webster’s season-opening press conference, which had occurred earlier in the day.
While the reporter acknowledged that Barnes was “enjoying a little bit of lunch and a little bit of shade outside.”
But while Leathong thought that Barnes would be “back there eating while we talk about this,” the reporter didn’t realize the Raptors star had other plans.
What did Scottie Barnes do live on air?
As Leathong continued his update – completely unaware that Barnes had began approaching him and was walking behind him – the 6-foot-8 forward began giving several exaggerated reactions to the news.
Barnes first nodded approvingly about Kawhi Leonard’s contract extension being finalized and mouthed “yes,” and “wow” after hearing the $115-million US total for the two-year pact.
Later, Leathong mentioned how the new all-star duo can set the team on new trajectory, Barnes looked straight at the camera, raised his eyebrow and smiled as he heard his name.
The clip quickly went viral on social media, with many Raptors fans gushing over the potential memes that Barnes provided for the coming season.
What did Bobby Webster say in his news conference?
During Webster’s season-opening news conference, the GM spoke extensively about the slow-moving trade to bring Leonard back into the fold.
He said that the team was excited to add the two-time NBA Finals MVP to the team’s core, which includes Barnes as the existing cornerstone.
“We were excited. We all have good memories and good feelings from 2018-19. But at the same time, you have to be honest with yourself about whether it makes sense at this point in time, at this juncture for this team and the development of this team,” Webster said.
The GM also spoke about the team’s hopes that Leonard’s extension — along with Barnes’ continued development towards superstardom — sets the team up for years to come.
“The biggest thing when we first agreed to the trade, speaking to Kawhi and his rep, is that he didn’t want this to be a short-term thing,” Webster said. “He wanted to stay here for a while.
“I think that’s probably what people hopefully took away from the extension — we want to have a window here, whether it’s two, three years, or beyond that, where we’re able to compete and put together a team worthy of competing for a title. That’s the goal.”
Barnes was one of several players heard taking part in a workout on Thursday, with training camp officially opening next week.