It was another stellar season for Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes, leading his young team to a fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. Considerably higher than most prognosticators’ predictions. Offensively, he was his usual threat, averaging over 18 points and 5.9 assists per game for the year.
However, it was on the defensive end that he truly shone: He managed a remarkable 116 blocks and 114 steals, the first to record 100+ blocks and 100+ steals since Andre Drummond in 2019.
NBA World Shocked At Scottie Barnes’ All-NBA Omission Despite Amazing Season
That only touches on his defensive accolades for the season. Yet somehow, he was left off all three All-NBA teams and snubbed from the All-Defensive first team. This controversial omission has gone down poorly in NBA circles.
As well as accomplishing the above feat, not seen since Andre Drummond in 2019, or by anyone in the NBA this year for that matter, he also finished 3rd in defensive win share. Fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting and 11th in Defensive Rating.
Nevertheless, it wasn’t enough for Barnes to make any of the three All-NBA teams. Controversially for some, Jalen Duren was chosen over him among others. Duren had a fantastic season for the Detroit Pistons, averaging a double-double in a career year for the center. However, he endured a torrid time in the playoffs.
However, the postseason is not taken into account when handing out awards. This is unfortunate for Barnes, as he flourished in the postseason, averaging over 24 points per game during the Raptors’ run, making a very strong case for inclusion.
With that in mind, one Raptors content creator wrote: “They should announce this before the playoffs because seeing Duren over Scottie looks ridiculous now.”
They should announce this before the playoffs because seeing Duren over Scottie just looks ridiculous now https://t.co/wg0vmKKKF0
— Stevie (@RaptorsShaq) May 24, 2026
X account ‘Agent 0’ believes Barnes is getting disrespected: “Scottie getting the Trae Young treatment.”
Prominent X account ‘LegendOfWinning’ writes: “Chet over Scottie Barnes is brutal.”
Chet over Scottie Barnes is brutal https://t.co/2RUMjOfV7A
— LegendOfWinning (@LegendOfWinning) May 24, 2026
This refers to Chet Holmgren of the OKC Thunder being named to the All-NBA third team.
Holmgren averaged slightly fewer points per game than Barnes, but Holmgren made the All-Defense first team as one of the leading vote getters, so his inclusion is not as surprising as this account makes out.
Another Raptors fan wrote “Big Scot” with a heartbroken emoji.
Meanwhile, this next account is clearly not taking well to the inclusion of Jalen Johnson and Duren over Barnes, complete with an angry GIF.
“Jalen Johnson” and “Jalen Duren” All-NBA over Scottie Barnes https://t.co/ntMk7TdIxp pic.twitter.com/kS3yGVP7F8
— 🗽🦍 (@enra9ed) May 24, 2026
“Jalen Johnson and Jalen Duren All-NBA over Scottie Barnes.” This take is also harsh on Johnson, who averaged 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.9 assists in an amazing season. He carried the Atlanta Hawks to the playoffs, playing so well that he became the face of the team.
These decisions are controversial and are open to debate. Barnes likely should have made an All-NBA team, most certainly the All-Defense first team, but a strong case can be made for all who made All-NBA teams, including some who didn’t even make it beyond Barnes.
Nonetheless, the snub feels harsh, given the huge impact Barnes had on the Raptors’ exciting season. Barnes and Raptors fans may have a case for feeling aggrieved.
