The Toronto Raptors are aiming to end their league award drought this season, with head coach Darko Rajakovic and players Collin Murray-Boyles and Scottie Barnes as prime candidates. This push comes as the team looks to rebound from a 114-102 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 3, 2026, which extended their recent form to two losses in their last two games (LLWWL).
Which Raptors could win NBA awards?
Three Toronto Raptors stand out as potential award winners for the 2026-27 NBA season. Head coach Darko Rajakovic is a candidate for Coach of the Year. Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles could contend for Sixth Man of the Year. Star forward Scottie Barnes has a shot at Defensive Player of the Year. The team hasn't had a major award winner since Barnes himself won Rookie of the Year back in the 2021-22 campaign.
Why is Darko Rajakovic a Coach of the Year candidate?
Rajakovic is entering his fourth season leading the Raptors. He's improved the team each year, earning a recent contract extension. He's now seen as a rising star among NBA coaches. He even received a third-place vote for the award last season. The winner was Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. Detroit's J.B. Bickerstaff finished second and San Antonio's Mitch Johnson was third. The key to winning is team success. If the Raptors keep winning and climb the standings, Rajakovic's case gets stronger. You can track their progress on our standings page.
Can Collin Murray-Boyles win Sixth Man?
Collin Murray-Boyles is expected to be a vital spark off the bench for Toronto. His energy and scoring punch in a reserve role make him a natural fit for the Sixth Man award. Coming off the bench allows him to attack opposing second units. His performance will be a big factor in the Raptors' depth and overall success this season. Consistent production as the first sub will be essential for his candidacy.
Is Scottie Barnes a Defensive Player of the Year favorite?
Scottie Barnes has all the tools to be the NBA's top defender. His length, athleticism, and basketball IQ allow him to guard multiple positions. He can rack up steals, blocks, and disruptive deflections. Winning this award often requires elite individual stats plus a team's strong defensive rating. Barnes is the defensive anchor for Toronto. If he leads the league in a key category like steals or defensive win shares, he'll be in the conversation. His all-around game is central to the Raptors' identity.
What is the context for this awards push?
The Raptors' recent results show the challenge ahead. They fell 114-102 to the Cleveland Cavaliers in their last outing on May 3. Their form over the last five games is two wins and three losses. They've lost their last two contests. Turning that around is the immediate task for Rajakovic and his squad. Team success directly fuels individual award campaigns. A strong finish to the season would help all three candidates. Fans can follow the team's upcoming schedule on our schedule page. The Raptors' ability to bounce back from this skid will define their award hopes and playoff positioning.