It appears the Toronto Raptors have found something pretty special in rookie fourth overall pick Scottie Barnes.

It's not just his relentless defense, his willingness to defend the opposing team's best player on a nightly basis, or his high basketball IQ and superb passing that makes him stand out. Those things, of course, do help. But it's his passion for the game, the way he's constantly dancing, cheering on teammates, and celebrating the success of others that makes him unique in the league.

On Tuesday night, that love for the game jumped out at Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma who praised Barnes for the way he carries himself.

"I think the No. 1 thing that stands out with him is I just love that he has a certain type of passion for the game. You can tell he kind of loves it," Kuzma said. "He's very enthusiastic. He's out there screaming and trying to guard the best player."

Against Washington, that meant Barnes was on Bradley Beal's case. While Beal certainly wasn't giving it his all in the final preseason game, Barnes certainly stuck around to pester him, holding one of the league's most explosive scorers to a pitiful 1-for-11 shooting night.

"He's guarded some really good players. He spent so a lot of time on Tatum in Boston the other night and obviously Beal tonight. I think it's important," Raptors coach Nick Nurse said. "We're trying to rep a lot of these things out just to see what it looks like and then see how flexible and versatile a defender he is and he looked pretty good."

To Kuzma, the fact that Barnes is willing to take on that challenge as a rookie no matter who is standing in front of him speaks volumes.

"That just tells you he's a guy who's very, very hungry, that loves the game of basketball and wants to be great," Kuzma said. "Especially as a rookie, being young, it's very impressive to see."

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
LeBron James breaks news of college basketball coaching hire
Rob Manfred makes first public comments on MLB’s Shohei Ohtani investigation
Jets owner blasts report about alleged 'heated conversation' with HC Robert Saleh
Scottie Scheffler favored to win third straight PGA Tour event after hot start in Houston
Mass confusion surrounds Bucks guard's wrist injury
Hornets shut down star guard for remainder of the season
Panthers two-time Pro Bowler expands on defense of Bryce Young
Yankees place ace on 60-day injured list
Bills sign veteran defensive tackle
Did breakup with J-Lo cost Alex Rodriguez the Timberwolves?
Saquon Barkley: Eagles were 'no-brainer' pick despite interest from AFC South contender
Guardians trade for two pitchers to round out Opening Day roster
Timberwolves make major decision regarding ownership
MLB, MLBPA make decision on Rays' All-Star SS
Yankees reporter critiques team for 'crazy idea' regarding star slugger
Browns GM names player he wants to 'retain as long as possible'
Watch: Ref blows crucial foul call, costs 76ers chance to spoil James Harden's return
Elly De La Cruz surprises fans with latest interview
Shaquille O’Neal takes brutal shot at Nets’ Ben Simmons
NBA outlines reason behind Draymond Green's latest ejection

Want more Raptors news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.