Barnes is the first Raptor to win the honour since the award was introduced last season.
The former Rookie of the Year is the only player in the NBA to record 30-plus steals and 30-plus blocks to date. He additionally sits fourth in the East and ninth in the NBA with four deflections per game.
Barnes anchors the Raptors’ defence, which sits third in the East with a 111.5 defensive rating. He also sealed a win over Charlotte with a block at the buzzer on Nov. 17.
The swingman is averaging 19.9 points, eight rebounds and five assists through 21 games.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace won the honour in the Western Conference.
–with files from The Canadian Press
