Toronto Raptors: Brandon Ingram Expressed Excitement to Play With This 1 New Teammate While Throwing Subtle Shade at CJ McCollum 2 Nov 22, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) dribbles against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and guard Buddy Hield (7) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

'He Got Stronger' – Toronto Raptors’ Darko Rajakovic Drops New Brandon Ingram Injury Update Ahead of 2025-26 Campaign

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 12, 2025 8:19 AM ET

Brandon Ingram has yet to suit up for the Toronto Raptors after arriving there via trade last February , and head coach Darko Rajakovic is hinting that he could finally play for the team soon.

In an interview with the Hello and Welcome podcast, Rajakovic confirmed that Ingram was cleared for contact. The one-time NBA All-Star has been training with the Toronto Raptors in Las Vegas, per TSN’s Josh Lewenberg.

“Brandon is doing really well. He put in a lot of work since the end of the season. His commitment, daily work he’s putting in, it’s outstanding. He’s pain-free, he’s moving well, he got stronger,” Rajakovic said about Ingram.

Before arriving in Toronto, Ingram averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists on 46.5 percent shooting from the field in 18 regular season appearances for the New Orleans Pelicans. He was shut down for the rest of the 2024-25 campaign due to a serious ankle injury.

Toronto Raptors sign former first-round pick on developmental contract

The Toronto Raptors managed to re-sign Jakob Poeltl and Garrett Temple and added Sandro Mamukelashvili this summer to shore up their depth. And most recently, they signed another NBA veteran free agent.

Jan 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward David Roddy (8) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center.Credit: Getty Images

David Roddy has joined the Toronto Raptors on an Exhibit 10 deal after getting waived by the Atlanta Hawks, and the former 23rd overall pick will get an opportunity to compete for a roster spot next season.

He played for three NBA teams in 2024-25, averaging 4.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists on 45.6 percent shooting from the field across 33 regular season games.