Scottie Barnes Snubbed From NBA All-Defensive Team
The Raptors guard reacts after being left off the first team despite strong defensive season.
Scottie Barnes was excluded from the NBA's All-Defensive First Team on Friday, a snub that surprised both the Toronto Raptors guard and the fan base that backed him all season.
Barnes did make the All-Defensive Second Team, but the omission from the first squad stung. He responded on social media with characteristic candour: "Mannnn what do I tell ya🤦🏽♂️Bullshit😂 Let's keep working😁❤️"
The decision raised questions among Raptors fans and analysts. Barnes was top-five in voting for Defensive Player of the Year and actually received more votes than Boston Celtics guard Derrick White, who surprisingly made the first team for the first time. Barnes also led both White and Rudy Gobert in stocks per game (steals plus blocks combined) and posted a Defensive Win Share of 4.5, higher than White's total.
For Toronto, the selection reflects the broader visibility gap: even elite Raptors performances can be overlooked in national award voting. Still, Barnes' defensive intensity was real throughout the season, and the snub amounts to extra motivation heading into next year. The Raptors, who pushed Cleveland to Game 7 in the first round, will be back with Barnes looking to prove he belongs on any first team.