Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes is using a perceived All-Defensive team snub as powerful fuel for the upcoming NBA season. Speaking at media day, Barnes made his lingering frustration clear and set his sights on higher individual and team goals for a squad looking to build on its recent playoff experience.
Barnes did not hold back his feelings about being left off the All-Defensive first team last season. "I don’t want to say how I really feel, but you know it’s uh, you know it just felt kind of disrespectful that I didn’t make it," Barnes said. He immediately followed that with a confident prediction: "I know for sure I’ll be on there this year." The selections of Ausar Thompson, Rudy Gobert, and Derrick White over Barnes were debated by many analysts. Barnes frequently took on the toughest defensive assignments, guarding elite players regardless of position, while arguments against Gobert cited his team's defensive schemes.
Barnes holding onto this grudge is excellent news for the Raptors. His defensive versatility will be required against Eastern Conference stars like Jalen Brunson, Jaylen Brown, and Donovan Mitchell. Pairing him with Kawhi Leonard, a former Defensive Player of the Year, gives Toronto one of the league's most formidable two-way wing combinations. Leonard's own defensive pedigree was a cornerstone of the Raptors' 2019 championship run.
This defensive backbone is required for Toronto to compete. The team's recent form shows a 3W-2L record in its last five outings, including a tough 114-102 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 3, 2026. With Leonard's health always a consideration, Barnes's ascension into a consistent All-Star is non-negotiable for Toronto's success. Third option RJ Barrett also needs to elevate his game for the Raptors to become true title contenders.
Barnes has openly discussed targeting the Defensive Player of the Year award, a step above his All-Defensive team goal. Victor Wembanyama remains the perennial favorite when healthy, but Barnes presents a compelling case. He argues that compared to someone like Chet Holmgren, who plays on a stacked Oklahoma City Thunder roster with other elite defenders like Alex Caruso, his individual impact in Toronto is more pronounced.
Barnes also believes he has a stronger case than aging veterans like Gobert and Derrick White. Increased national television exposure alongside Kawhi Leonard will help shows his defensive prowess to voters. Team success often boosts individual award campaigns, so if the Raptors make a deep playoff push, Barnes's DPOY momentum will grow. His commitment is now a central part of Toronto's identity as they aim to prove last season's first-round exit was just a step in their development.
