Scottie Barnes has been honored as the NBA’s Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month for October-November, making history as the first player from the Toronto Raptors to receive this accolade since its inception for the 2024-25 season. His outstanding performance played a pivotal role in leading the Raptors to a strong 14-7 record, placing the team among the league’s best in various defensive metrics.
Prior to the Raptors’ matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers at Scotiabank Arena, head coach Darko Rajakovic praised Barnes for his remarkable achievement, emphasizing the hard work and dedication that have characterized his development. “A big part of that is the work that he’s putting in, the dedication, studying the players, getting to know the league,” noted Rajakovic. He highlighted that this marks Barnes’s fifth year in the league, and his continuous improvement is evident.
Rajakovic also credited the team as a whole for Barnes’s success, saying, “You cannot do anything without your supporting cast.” He expressed pride in Barnes’s potential for even greater achievements in the future.
Currently, Barnes is averaging impressive stats of 19.9 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists per game over 21 appearances. His defensive prowess is reflected in his tally of 64 combined steals and blocks, which ties him for the highest in the NBA during this timeframe. Notably, he showcased his skills with a critical block at the buzzer, securing a 110-108 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on November 17.
Rajakovic commended Barnes’s exceptional defensive awareness, particularly his off-ball skills and ability to recognize defensive situations. “I think that rim protection, his deflections playing off the ball, and just roaming on defense, he’s doing a really good job there,” he remarked.
In similar recognition, Cason Wallace of the Oklahoma City Thunder earned the Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month award. While Rajakovic was nominated for the Eastern Conference Coach of the Month following the Raptors’ impressive nine-game win streak, he acknowledged that the focus remains on the players and their continued progress. “We were just focusing to get one per cent better every day,” he reiterated.
The recognition of Barnes not only highlights his individual talent but also reflects the growing strength of the Raptors as they strive for success this season. With a strong roster and a dedicated coaching staff, the future looks promising for Toronto as they aim to build on their early achievements.