Barnes finishes fifth in DPoY voting

All season, Scottie Barnes has been in contention for the Defensive Player of the Year award.

Barnes, who posted a 110 defensive rating in the regular season, was listed fifth in voting for the DPoY award, behind winner Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, Ausar Thompson, and Rudy Gobert. According to the Associated Press, Barnes earned a total of 21 votes, three of which were second-place votes and 12 third-place ballots.

‘DPoY’ is a term Raptors media has been deliberately throwing around for Barnes to get the recognition he deserves.

John Hollinger said, “If there was a clutch defender of the year award, he would probably win. He’s had a number of game-saving blocks, deflections, and steals.” While Zach Lowe did not have Scottie on his First All-Defensive Team, he told Hollinger, “If you want to put him on the First Team, I have no quibble with you … I like to reward versatility. Barnes, in the same game, can guard your centre and your point guard.”

This recognition comes on the heels of a season where the Raptors have exceeded expectations and Barnes was named an All-Star (for the second time). His defensive versatility has been on full display in the Raptors’ series against the Cavs thus far.