In a significant achievement for Canadian basketball, Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes has been named to the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team. This accolade marks him as the third player in Raptors history to secure such recognition, following the footsteps of renowned defenders Kawhi Leonard in 2019 and OG Anunoby in 2023.
Barnes’s impressive performance throughout the season, where he consistently contributed on both ends of the court, has solidified his reputation as a formidable defensive player.
Stellar Season Performance
During the 2025-26 season, Scottie Barnes showcased his versatility and skill, averaging 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game across all 80 of his starts. His ability to impact games was particularly evident in clutch situations, where he led the league with nine blocks in critical moments.
In total, Barnes amassed an impressive 114 steals and 116 blocks, ranking second in the league for combined steals and blocks with a total of 230, only trailing behind the exceptional Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs.
All-Star Defensive Team Composition
The NBA’s All-Defensive Teams are selected by a global panel of 100 media members, reflecting a mix of expertise and diverse basketball perspectives. Barnes’s recognition on the second team places him alongside notable players such as Cason Wallace of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Bam Adebayo from the Miami Heat, Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks, and Anunoby, who now dons the jersey of the New York Knicks.
The First Team includes celebrated talents like Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren of the Thunder, Ausar Thompson from the Detroit Pistons, Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Derrick White of the Boston Celtics. Each player’s selection is based on a points system, where a first-team vote earns two points and a second-team vote earns one.
A New Era for the Raptors
With the recent departure of former Raptors president Masai Ujiri, the future of the franchise is under scrutiny. Ujiri played a pivotal role in building the team that brought Toronto its first NBA championship in 2019. As the Raptors navigate this transition, Barnes’s defensive prowess becomes even more crucial to the team’s identity and success moving forward.
His selection to the All-Defensive Second Team is not just a personal milestone; it also underscores the Raptors’ commitment to defensive excellence as they seek to re-establish their competitive edge in the league.
Why it Matters
Scottie Barnes’s recognition as an All-Defensive Second Team member is a testament to his hard work and dedication. It highlights the growing talent within Canadian basketball and reinforces the Raptors’ emphasis on defensive strategy. As the franchise looks to build on its successes and navigate changes, Barnes stands as a beacon of potential, embodying the spirit of resilience and excellence that defines the Raptors. This accolade not only places him among the league’s elite defenders but also sets the stage for a promising future in Toronto’s basketball landscape.
