Rajakovic Expresses Disappointment Over Barnes’ Low All-Star Vote Count
Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic expressed his disappointment regarding Scottie Barnes’ absence from the top 20 players in Eastern Conference All-Star voting during a press conference on Monday evening. The initial results of the All-Star fan voting, released earlier that day, revealed that only Brandon Ingram represented the Raptors, coming in at No. 12.
Rajakovic’s Call to Action
Rajakovic urged fans across Canada to increase their support for Barnes as the voting period continues. He stated, “I’m puzzled and I am very disappointed. We need to get this right. Canada needs to get this right.” He emphasized that Barnes possesses skills comparable to those of generational players.
Scottie Barnes’ Impressive Stats
This season, Barnes has significantly improved his offensive game. His shooting percentage has risen to .507 from .446 last season. Additionally, he boasts a .354 shooting percentage from the three-point range and an .828 percentage from the free throw line. Currently, he averages:
- Points: 19.3
- Rebounds: 8.4
- Assists: 5.2
Barnes has participated in all 33 games of the 2025-26 season, showcasing his consistent performance.
Historic Triple-Double
In a recent game against the Golden State Warriors, Barnes achieved a historic triple-double, scoring 23 points, 10 assists, and pulling down 25 rebounds. This performance tied him for the Raptors’ franchise record for rebounds in a single game, set by Bismack Biyombo in March 2016. Notably, Barnes is now one of only two players over the last 45 seasons to record a 20-point, 25-rebound, 10-assist game, joining Nikola Jokic.
All-Star Voting Context
The Eastern Conference voting leader is Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has nearly 1.2 million fan votes. Other top contenders include:
- Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia)
- Jalen Brunson (New York)
- Cade Cunningham (Detroit)
- Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland)
On the Western Conference side, Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is leading in fan votes. The fan voting will account for 50% of the final selection for All-Star Game starters, with the remaining 50% split between players’ and media votes.
Upcoming All-Star Game
The 2026 NBA All-Star Game is scheduled to take place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on February 15, featuring a U.S. versus world format. Rajakovic’s call to action emphasizes the need for increased support for Scottie Barnes, as he aims to secure a spot among this year’s All-Stars.
