LAS VEGAS—In a handful of quick conversations here this week, there was one prevalent thought about and the contract extension he signed that could .). “That’s a lot of money.
” “A big investment.” “Is he going to be worth it?” You get the gist. The chatter around the league is about the maximum value and whether or not Barnes will live up to it.
The Raptors are convinced it will end up being a wise financial investment on the court. They have . But the Barnes talk this week went in a different direction as well, one that might not be as important as his on-court development but one that’s significant, too.
Can he emerge as the public face of the team, the spokesman for the roster, the player who does all the media willingly and well? It’s a legitimate question and all those close to Barnes — Raptors officials, his representation, his teammates — know he has to succeed. As one person close to the situation put it this week, Barnes has to recapture the personality, the joy, the effervescence and show it on an almost daily basis once the season begins. Those who are working with him, with advice and support, are convinced he gets it now.
They know an engaged Barnes can be interesting and likeable, and that will go a long way to enhance his reputation with fans and the media. He was certainly more engaging and expansive at the Monday news conference to It was a step on his trip to becoming the true face and spokesman for the roster. There had always been o.