Already having a case for Defensive Player of the Year, his case for All-NBA is growing as well after making history.
Scottie Barnes and the Toronto Raptors fell 127-116 Tuesday night to the top seed in the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons. Even without MVP candidate Cade Cunningham, the Pistons were able to dominate on the offensive end, led by All-Star center Jalen Duren, who supplied 31 points and nine rebounds on 12-for-13 shooting.
As starting point guard Immanuel Quickley continues to sit due to plantar fasciitis in his right foot, Barnes has been responsible for running the offense, and despite the recent losses, he has delivered. He supplied just five points on 25% shooting, but added 12 assists, three steals, and two blocks.
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) | © David Reginek-Imagn ImagesThe former No. 4 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft has had a breakout season for Toronto in 2026. He continues to be involved in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year, largely shown by his No. 2 ranking in both total and per-game averages in stocks (steals + blocks). He may never be the primary scoring option on a team with Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett, but he is shining in this new playmaking role, unlike ever seen before.
Against the Pistons, the two-time All-Star achieved totals on the season that have never been done in NBA history.
Barnes became the first player this season to record 100 or more steals and blocks each. Along with that, he has totaled 400 assists and 50 three-pointers made to match his current season averages of 18 or more points per game and 50% field goal percentage or better. Should he end the season with those averages, he will officially be one of one to do so.
Anybody who consistently watches the Raptors should understand that his impact on the team's winning is unmatched. Guarding the best player on the opposing team every night, while being an adept help defender, forces the opposition to know where he is at all times, or else he will make them pay. His versatility on both ends, matched with his athleticism and pace, allows him to make big momentum plays often, leading to impressive runs that can drastically change the course of the game.
After making his second All-Star appearance this season, he is in a prime position to earn his first All-NBA selection as well. With the 65-game rule in full effect, several players are on the brink of elimination from postseason awards, and with Barnes’ 74 games played this season, he should be a shoo-in for voters if he doesn’t get selected primarily. Being listed on the All-Defensive team is expected at this point, but if he can earn the All-NBA along with it, he would become the first player in Raptors franchise history to have both and an All-Star appearance in the same season.