Scottie Barnes just put together one of the most unique all-around seasons in NBA history. Now, the Toronto Raptors are about to ask even more of him in the playoffs. For the first time since Barnes’ rookie year, Toronto will be participating in the postseason.
For Toronto to pull off an upset against the Cleveland Cavaliers, they will rely heavily on their All-Star forward. During the regular season, Barnes’ impact all over the court was critical to the team’s success.
Scottie Barnes joins elite company with his all-around impact
Since steals and blocks began being tracked in the 1973-74 season, there have only been nine seasons where a player led their team in total rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Scottie Barnes’ 2025-26 season is one of those nine.
Barnes joins Nikola Jokic, LeBron James (x2), Giannis Antetokounmpo, Draymond Green, Kevin Garnett, Scottie Pippen, and Dave Cowens as the only players to ever accomplish that feat.
It is a testament to his versatility and impact all over the floor. With Immanuel Quickley out, Barnes ran the offense as a full-time point guard. With Jakob Poeltl and Collin Murray-Boyles sidelined, he was asked to play center.
No matter what the Raptors asked Barnes to do, he thrived. And somehow, leading the team in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks still does not fully capture his impact. He was also second on the team in total points and was the team’s vocal leader on the court.
The Raptors are going to ask more of Barnes
Fair or not, Toronto is not done asking the world of its star player. The playoffs will be even more challenging than the regular season. Cleveland is a deep team, loaded with dynamic weapons.
Barnes will be asked to score and play-make while being guarded by his draft rival, Evan Mobley, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and a two-time First-Team All-Defense selection. He will also be asked to defend Donovan Mitchell or James Harden on the other end.
There is not another player in the league being asked to do this much on both ends. For Toronto to be successful, Barnes will have to take on that herculean responsibility and thrive. If he does, the Raptors will make this a competitive series.
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