His recognition as a defensive menace is growing among the league's best, but his case for the best defender in the NBA this season is coming to life as well.
NBA All-Star Weekend has come to a close, and the Toronto Raptors look to finish out their remaining 27 games with momentum. Currently sitting at the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, the Raptors are on pace to be competing in the postseason for the first time since 2022.
The rebuild for Toronto since their last playoff appearance included the departures of their star trio of Pascal Siakam, Kyle Lowry, and Fred VanVleet to different franchises. In the meantime, Scottie Barnes has risen as one of the brightest young stars in the league, along with trading for Brandon Ingram and building depth around them.
Former Toronto Raptors stars Fred VanVleet (23), Pascal Siakam (43), and Kyle Lowry (7) | © Kim Klement-Imagn Images
En route to their first postseason with this core, assuming they maintain their seeding in the standings, Barnes has done everything for Toronto this season. Being able to provide really anything the offense needs, while also guarding the opposing team’s best player night in and night out, his impact has been undeniable in the Raptors’ ability to win games.
After participating in his second-career All-Star Game this weekend in Los Angeles, he came up in conversation between NBA legends Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter when discussing their predictions for the end-of-season awards. When Carter asked his cousin who his pick was for Defensive Player of the Year, McGrady gave credit to the 6-foot-8, 237-pound forward in Toronto.
“I’m going with Scottie Barnes,” said McGrady. “Scottie Barnes is a candidate; he’s my front-runner. But of course, you got [Victor Wembanyama], Cason Wallace is a good one … Those three right there, for me, is the guys for Defensive Player of the Year.”
While the former No. 4 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft surely has been extremely impressive on the defensive end this year, it’s very difficult to argue against the superstar center in San Antonio. His availability is an issue when noting the 65-game rule for the NBA awards, which plays well into Barnes’ favor.
Who’s the Better Defender?
The two superstars are Nos. 1 and 2 in stocks (steals and blocks) per game and total on the season. Wembanyama clears the field in the per-game averages, with 3.59 compared to Barnes’ 2.89, while Barnes leads in the total amount due to playing 14 more games than the former No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
It’s no secret that the DPOY award has been somewhat designated for the big men. There have only been five total players to win the award since the NBA merger who were not playing center either primarily or secondarily. Barnes has proven his worth this season largely because of his ability to shadow the best guards in the league while simultaneously controlling the paint and holding his ground in the post.
Former Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) and Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) © Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Wembanayama, on the other hand, spends the majority of his time down low. He can guard the best post player or roam the entirety of the floor inside the 3-point line with his extraordinary 8-foot wingspan and the distance he is able to travel, standing at 7-foot-4. His ability to contest any shot within 15 feet is undeniable, and because of this, his impact may just be second to none.
With 28 games remaining in the season for the French superstar and the Spurs, he can only miss three more games to still qualify for all NBA awards. If he does miss four or more games, Barnes isn’t a lock to win the award, as there are still legitimate contenders like Wallace or his teammate Chet Holmgren, who are the top two leaders in individual defensive rating (via StatMuse).