Kevin Garnett believes young star Scottie Barnes is "next up", claims he is the "heart and soul" of Toronto Raptors 

Former NBA champion Kevin Garnett reserved high praise for the Toronto Raptors' young star Scottie Barnes. Garnett believes Barnes is the next big player on the rise.

The Raptors forward has made an impact on his team since his debut. Barnes helped them make the playoffs last season as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference.

He hasn't made the sophomore-year leap he was projected to make, but that hasn't taken away from the buzz surrounding his name. Here's what Garnett wrote about Barnes in his latest tweet:

"Scottie Barnes is a young OG! Not the elder statesman or the most accolades in Toronto, but he’s the heart and soul. OG and the next up. I know about that…"

He hasn't made the sophomore-year leap he was projected to make, but that hasn't taken away from the buzz surrounding his name. Here's what Garnett wrote about Barnes in his latest tweet:

Barnes averaged 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, shooting 49.2% from the field in his debut season. He emerged as one of the best two-way wings. Barnes' size and versatility initially helped the Raptors in the absence of Pascal Siakam, who was out for the first few weeks due to a shoulder injury.

Scottie Barnes claimed the Rookie of the Year award ahead of other hyped draft mates Evan Mobley and Cade Cunningham. His role in helping the youthful Toronto Raptors make the playoffs helped his case. They were projected to be a ninth or tenth seed at best, but Barnes' emergence in his debut drastically turned things around for the franchise.

Toronto Raptors place tremendous faith in Scottie Barnes.

The Toronto Raptors were among the teams hoping to land Kevin Durant this past offseason when he requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. Scottie Barnes was a piece the Nets coveted, but the Raptors stood their ground about not including the former No. 4 pick in that deal.

Barnes, 21, is considered the franchise's cornerstone. According to reports, the Raptors have shown a willingness to move players like Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet, but not Barnes, who they intend to build their team around.

Scottie Barnes matched his production from the previous season, bagging 15.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, but the Raptors have struggled. They are 20-25, ranked 11th in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors continue to have faith in their young star, though.

Barnes has played like a veteran for most of his young career, so he has the allowance to take his time and eventually develop into a consistent performer and a perennial NBA All-Star. His sophomore year seems to be that phase for him.

The Toronto Raptors being patient with the former Florida State prospect seems like the ideal way forward for the player and the team's future.