The Toronto Raptors made a drastic move at last season’s trade deadline when they acquired Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Toronto Raptors were thought to be rebuilding, but they pivoted and made a win-now move trading for Brandon Ingram.
Ingram did not play with Toronto during the 2024-25 season as he was recovering from a left ankle sprain. However, coming into this season, Ingram is fully healthy and is cleared to play.
The Raptors will be betting big on a core of Ingram, Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett as the team has high expectations for this season.
Ingram’s career has been hampered with injuries. He hasn’t played more than 64 games since his rookie season.
The 28-year-old is also long removed from being an All-Star. His only All-Star appearance was back in 2020.
However, in Toronto, Ingram has a fresh start and a chance to get his career back on track with an organization that hasn’t made the playoffs in three years. Ingram likes what he sees from the team so far and seems happy in Toronto.
Raptors big man Jakob Poeltl talked about what Ingram will be bringing to the Raptors and how he’s focused coming into this season.
“His individual skill as a scorer is the biggest thing he brings us.
“Like a true three-level threat, just get him the ball at almost any position, and he’ll make something good happen for ya, he added.
“What’s unique about him is how much he’s buying into our team style of basketball, and also defensive-minded basketball.
“He seems to really enjoy himself here so far. We’ve developed some pretty quick chemistry.”
Jakob Pöltl on Brandon Ingram:
— Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) September 29, 2025
“His individual skill as a scorer is the biggest thing he brings us.
“Like a true three-level threat, just get him the ball at almost any position, and he’ll make something good happen for ya.”
“What’s unique about him is how much he’s buying… pic.twitter.com/snbkVvbDdc
The Raptors will go as far as Ingram takes them this season.
For as talented as the Raptors are with rising star Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, Ingram will need to be the go-to guy for this group to succeed.
Ingram gives the Raptors a true end of clock, end of game scorer who they can lean on in big moments.
If Ingram doesn’t perform at a high level or can’t stay healthy, then the Raptors might falter and wind up being a play-in team or even worse, miss the entire postseason field again.
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