Toronto Raptors rookie Scottie Barnes was hit with some pleasantly surprising news ahead of the team's Game 4 showdown with the Philadelphia 76ers.
On Friday, Barnes and the rest of the team gathered around a television at the OVO practice facility to watch "a few clips" going into the big game.
Once the film started rolling, Raptors legend Vince Carter popped up on the screen to announce that Barnes was selected as the 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year.
MORE: The sky is the limit for Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes
"Yo Scottie!," Carter started. "Scottie Barnes, what's up man? This is Vince Carter here," he continued.
"I know you're busy and locked in for the game, I get it. But I just want to say I truly enjoyed watching you play this year. It takes me back to when I was a rookie and I was able to win the 1998 Rookie of the Year award trophy. Great memories, man. Great memories."
Barnes started to realize what was developing.
"I wanted to give you some quick Raptors history while we're on the subject," Carter went on. "Did you know there have only been three Raptors rookies in franchise history to win (ROY)?
"Damon Stoudemire, me, and a 6-foot-7 rookie from West Palm Beach, Florida, Scottie Barnes."
ROTY 4 SCOTTIE
— x - Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 23, 2022
Open Gym: Moment presented by @Bell @ScottBarnes561 pic.twitter.com/ZChgqo4nec
The praise continued for Barnes at Scotiabank Arena before the game.
He received another video message from the Raptors' other former Rookie of the Year winner, Damon Stoudamire, as Toronto's fans erupted for the newly appointed ROY.
Raptors to win NBA Rookie of the Year:
— Tim and Friends (@timandfriends) April 23, 2022
Damon Stoudamire, Vince Carter & Scottie Barnes 🏆#WeTheNorth @ScottBarnes561 pic.twitter.com/b1cIJkrtik
ROY pic.twitter.com/7Ytlp4uVWy
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 23, 2022
Then, Raptors president Masai Ujiri presented Barnes with the Rookie of the Year trophy with some heartfelt words for the team's franchise cornerstone.
“We are incredibly proud of Scottie," Ujiri said. "What you see on the court is exactly who Scottie is: Enthusiastic, joyful, athletic, skilled and a winner. We – and our fans - loved seeing his development through this season, and we can’t wait to see what the future brings.”
Now presenting your NBA ROOKIE OF THE YEAR 🔥 @ScottBarnes561 pic.twitter.com/ncLcHaCYqP
— x - Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) April 23, 2022
The Raptors are facing elimination against the 76ers in Game 4 on SN National.
