Heading into 2026, perhaps no other Raptors player has more momentum than Scottie Barnes. In his last three outings, Barnes has recorded two impressive triple-doubles, with the performance against Golden State arguably his most star defining career feat. His statistical averages over that three-game span are as follows: 18.7 points, 16.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. These contributions significantly helped Toronto secure two wins out of the three final games of 2025.
But the only loss of that stretch and final defeat of 2025 came at the hands of Denver on New Year's Eve. Toronto appeared to have a favorable matchup, but the game turned into yet another close and entertaining finish. The contest ended with an anticlimactic non-counted game-tying three by Brandon Ingram, which gave the Nuggets a 106-103 victory. It was in that matchup that Barnes recorded his second triple-double, serving as the team's starting center with Jakob Poeltl still out of the lineup.
Barnes has been sharing much of those duties alongside rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, and the Raptors' cornerstone was asked about it in a recent post-practice interview: “Jak's [Jakob Poeltl] been out so long. You've been playing tons of minutes at the five. ... I think Coach Adelman from Denver was saying, “Look, when Scottie's playing five, it's not small,” but like, you're, the rebounding numbers which show it — do you kind of enjoy it? Like they get to put you on the block a little bit. You can playmake out of there, you can beat some guys rebounding obviously there.”
To which Barnes' response was (YouTube link here):
Scottie Barnes shares thoughts on center duty for the Raptors
"Like, do I enjoy it? It is what it is. Do I love having Jak out there? I do love having Jak out there (smiles). CMB's [Collin Murray-Boyles] been doing a great job, stepping in, filling that role as well. His offense, rebounding numbers has been off the charts, helping us rebound, getting blocks, rotating. So that's been great for us as well. ... but you know, I love having those five-mans out there. "Scottie Barnes, January 2, 2026
I believe that without creating too much drama with his statements, Barnes expressed his honest thoughts on the matter effectively and put over his teammates CMB and Poeltl quite well also. I think it is quite telling that Barnes does not mind playing the five, but he wouldn't go so far as to say he enjoys it. He seems to prefer having a true five-man like Jakob Poeltl active on the floor, and that's fair enough. Barnes has continued to be the Raptors' defensive anchor and do-it-all ace while stepping into that empty center spot. However, as I have mentioned in previous pieces, this is not an ideal long-term situation for the hopeful All-Star.
Speaking of All-Star chatter, Barnes was asked about it as well, since the first vote leaderboard was released recently. The former one-time All-Star did not crack the top 20 names in the East, while his co-star Brandon Ingram did at the 12th spot. Scottie Barnes kept it real, saying:
"I don't really think I was surprised. You know, it is what it is. ... at the end of the day, I'm just trying to win basketball games. At the end of the year, when our defense come out, I think I'll be more worried about that."Scottie Barnes on NBA All-Star votes