Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic expressed clear frustration after Scottie Barnes failed to crack the top 20 in Eastern Conference fan voting for the 2026 All-Star Game, according to Michael Grange.
Rajakovic made it clear that he believes Barnes’ impact has been seriously overlooked and that the numbers strongly support his case.
He pointed to Barnes’ all-around production as proof that he belongs among the league’s elite, noting that only two players this season have reached the combination of at least 500 points, 250 assists, 250 rebounds, and 25 blocks – Nikola Jokic and Barnes.
From Rajakovic’s perspective, that level of two-way impact should automatically place Barnes among the top names in the conference.
The Raptors coach didn’t hide his disappointment and called on fans, particularly in Canada, to recognize what Barnes has been doing on the court.
“We need to get this right. Canada needs to get this right,” Rajakovic said. “… Only two players in the NBA this season have 500 points-plus, 250 assists-plus, 25 blocks-plus and 250 rebounds-plus, and that’s Nikola Jokic and Scottie Barnes.
“I have no doubt that Scottie Barnes is an All-Star. I have no doubt that he needs to be toward the top of that list of players in the East. Canada, we need to get that fixed right now.”
The Raptors got back on track the past two nights: https://t.co/mVpN02mEvq
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) December 31, 2025
