On Sunday, the finalists for the NBA’s year-end awards were rolled out, and fans noted that one Scottie Barnes was omitted from a particular category. Barnes, who has led the Toronto Raptors on both ends of the floor, was not named a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award.
After the trio of Chet Holmgren, Ausar Thompson, and Victor Wembanyama was named as the DPOY shortlist, fans took to social media to express their displeasure at the non-inclusion of Barnes.
“Yeah it’s clear the league hates Toronto they aren’t even trying to hide it”
“SCOTTIE BARNES IS THE ONLY PLAYER WITH 100+ Blocks and 100+ Steals and carries his team to a top 7 defense in the league”
“No Scottie kinda crazy”
“Is Scottie Barnes played on the lakers he would be dpoy”
“no scottie barnes wtf????”
“Scottie leading a top 5 defense without a good rim protecting 5 and playing with defenders like Quickley, Barret, Ingram. Absolutely insane”
During the regular season, the Raptors ranked fifth in defensive rating, and a driving force behind this proficiency was Barnes’ versatility as a defender.
As skilled as the two-time All-Star has been, he has yet to be named to an All-Defensive Team in his career. Nevertheless, Barnes has succeeded in bringing the Raptors back to the playoffs for the first time in four years.
Oftentimes, losing out on a major award becomes fuel for NBA players to take their game to the next level. As Barnes leads the Raptors in their first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the DPOY snub may very well be running through his mind.
“He Did What He Could Out There”: Scottie Barnes Offers Praise for Teammate’s Defense During Game 1 vs. Cavaliers
Meanwhile, Scottie Barnes has dished out praise for one of his teammates who stepped up on the defensive end in their first game against the Cavs.
After the Raptors lost Game 1, Barnes had positive things to say for Raptors guard Jamal Shead.
“Jamal did what he could out there. Just trying to guard the ball, stay in front of it, be physical as much as he can.”
Barnes added that Shead did what he could against scorers like James Harden and Donovan Mitchell.
