DeMar DeRozan’s advice to Scottie Barnes after Pascal Siakam trade

It’s not simple to be a franchise’s face. Being the star player for an NBA club sounds amazing at first, doesn’t it? But immense power also entails great responsibility. A player must rise above the many obstacles and pressures that come with being the team’s best choice. When DeMar DeRozan took over the Toronto Raptors following Chris Bosh’s departure, he got to see this firsthand.

Almost ten years later, a new star is about to take over the franchise. The Raptors have essentially handed Scottie Barnes the keys to the team after dealing Pascal Siakam. Many people were aware that this was the team’s original goal, so it wasn’t totally surprising. According to Sports Illustrated, DeRozan offered some guidance to the rookie forward as he advances in his NBA career once the trade came to be.

DeRozan counseled Barnes to “accept the good and the bad, the ups and the downs, the frustrations and the struggles.” In the long term, everything will mold you. You are going to be an incredible player and talent once things start underway.

Barnes’ time in the NBA has not always been smooth sailing. In his sophomore campaign, the Raptors forward went through a little slump following his Rookie of the Year victory. Although he shown some skill, he struggled to establish a steady rhythm throughout the season. The outcome was a lackluster second season that caused doubt in the minds of Toronto supporters.

The Raptors’ brass obviously believes Barnes can succeed in his role as the main man. After Siakam was traded, Barnes emerged as the Raptors’ actual top choice. DeRozan is well aware of the highly unpredictable nature of being that man, having experienced it himself.