While he may have been snubbed for both the All-Defensive First-Team and All-NBA teams, he is receiving credit as one of the most impactful American players in the game.
Toronto Raptors star Scottie Barnes lit it up in the 2025-2026 season. Earning his second career All-Star appearance, the former No. 4 pick in the 2021 NBA draft led his team to its first postseason appearance since 2022. While they ultimately fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the seven-game first-round series, Barnes rose to the occasion, providing a key impact on both ends of the floor.
Despite the strong leap in play, especially defensively, the former Florida State Seminole was snubbed when it came to the postseason awards. Despite finishing at fifth place in the Defensive Player of the Year award, he was awarded All-Defensive Second-Team. He was beaten out by Boston Celtics guard Derrick White according to voters, the same media members who voted White sixth place in the DPOY voting.
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesWhile Barnes didn’t quite get the recognition he deserved, he received extra praise this summer. ESPN’s Zach Kram compiled his list of players whose stock has risen or dropped as candidates to be selected to represent Team USA in the 2028 Olympics. Assessing the list were ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Tim McMahon, who uplifted the rising star.
“Absolutely [Barnes deserves to be selected],” said Windhorst. “[He’s a] two-way player, great size, can hit the outside shot, [and] defends. Definitely a guy, I think, will get invited to the World Cup team.”
“I agree with everything you said except for the outside shot part,” said McMahon. “He can play 1 through 5, [is a] phenomenal athlete, a playmaker, a finisher, [and] an elite defensive player. Yeah, he would make a lot of sense.”
With the typical American superstars (LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, etc.) nearing the ends of their careers, there is very little clarity as to who could officially be invited. Barnes was joined on the list by players like reigning Finals MVP Jalen Brunson and Jaden McDaniels. Brunson appears to be a lock at this point considering his incredible season, but several other players could be added for their strong suits in certain aspects, like McDaniels’ defense.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) and Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn ImagesBarnes established himself as one of the best defensive players in the game, highlighted by his versatility, both on the perimeter and in the paint. His numbers don’t suggest such, but his offensive game improved through his quicker decision making matched with aggression attacking the basket. His skills with the ball in his hands saw the biggest change, where he became a real threat from the triple threat, especially when operating as the facilitator in the pick-and-roll.
Going into next season, improving on his three-point shooting should be the main priority. Barnes shot just 30.4% from outside the arc on 2.8 attempts, and his consistency was much higher in catch-and-shoot scenarios as opposed to shots off the dribble. As he continues to grow as a player, the Raptors will expect him to have the ball more every season, especially late in games. If he can continue to improve his overall shooting off the dribble, he could enter conversations of being one of the best players in the NBA very soon.
