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