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[Toronto Raptors]

2K26 shows the Raptors little love

Heading into the 2025-2026 season, the NBA 2K rankings were announced in advance of the anticipated game release in early September. As per usual there’s some that were too high, some were too low, and some were just right.

In regular fashion though, 2K has continued with their habit of underrating some of the Raptors (shocker). It’s never just about the numeric rating, it’s where they are relative to other players in the NBA.

So let’s break down where the roster in terms of their rating and see where we can hope for changes before the first updates in November.

The Starters:

Scottie Barnes- 85

Scottie leads Raptors with an OVR of 85. It’s the same rating he started the season with last year, which ballooned briefly before falling back to 85 in April. After averaging 19-8-6 on 45% shooting, his production dropped a bit with injuries and roster changes but still played well, especially defensively. The fact that he shares a rating with De’Aaron Fox and OG Anunoby seems fairly respectful. Until you find out that Derrick White is an 87. And then it starts to get a bit insulting. Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler, and Zion Williamson are all rated higher and if I had to choose between Scottie and any of those guys it wouldn’t require a second thought. Honestly, he should be an 86 or those guys should be dropped down to at least the same level.

Brandon Ingram – 84

This one seems a little bit fair because he sat out most of the season. Last year he was an 85, so the single point drop is more than likely a reflection of his lack of reps recently. I think this will probably be the biggest riser as the season goes on. When he was healthy, 2k24 gave him an OVR of 87 at the close of the season. It’s more than realistic to expect him to be back around there if he’s able to stay healthy.

RJ Barrett – 82

His rating has flip-flopped a bit, with an 83 OVR in 2k24, an 81 in 2k25, and now he’s right in the middle of those. Despite unnecessary criticism, RJ had a really solid season. Improving in a lot of ways, especially from a facilitation standpoint. With some of the lineups the Raps were using last year, he didn’t get enough credit for some of the stuff he was able to do. I’d give him the 83 back.

IQ – 81

This one I’m actually on board for. He spent a lot of time hurt last year, and when he did play, his numbers weren’t out of this world. Averaging only 17 points a game, this feels like the neighborhood he should be in. It’s also consistent with last year. With him being healthier this year, I would expect to see him up to 82 by November though.

Poeltl – 80

This seems like a solid rating for a big man that doesn’t conform to the NBA’s current standard that requires long range shooting. Jokic obviously leads centers in the league, with Wemby and AD following (which makes sense). Even the next few including JJJ, Sengun, and Zubac all make sense. But apparently, John Collins, Naz Reid (a backup centre) and Jalen Duren are all at least 2 OVR better than him. I’m giving Jak the 82 if those guys get it.

The Bench:

Gradey – 78

Mamu – 75

Ja’Kobe – 74

Mogbo – 74

Ochai – 73

AJ – 73

Shead – 73

CMB – 72

Battle – 71

Temple – 70

Shead and Mogbo have all shown some defensive chops but are still putting things together on the other end. Of course, as sophomore players, keeping them low until they prove you otherwise is valid. They’re on par with where those with similar stats are within the league, and when you look at their placement among their draft class it’s reasonable.

The biggest complaint here probably Ja’Kobe. While his rookie season was tenuous with injuries, he had a really solid showing, especially towards the end. Statistically he’s significantly better than Adem Bona and Pelle Larson who he shares a rating with, and I’d rather have him than Dalton Knecht or Ryan Dunn who were both given higher OVRs.

Gradey is another one that’s questionable. Among his draft class he’s 11th, behind Brandin Poziemski and Cason Wallace, both of whom he outdid in pretty much every statistical category. If they are 79s, so is he. I’m really hoping this will be a big year for him though and that he’ll make the jump to 80.

For CMB and Ochai, the reality of defence doing less for their OVR than offence holds true. CMB showed flashes during summer league that were genuinely impressive. He’s started out at 9th in his class, but I would expect to see him closer to 7th by the first updates. Ochai will probably climb a little too, but I anticipate this is more to see if he’s able to maintain his 3-point shooting.

For AJ, Temple, Mamu, and Battle, they’re right on par in the 70s where most teams’ benches are sitting. I’m not mad about any of them and suspect they’ll continue to float in that area for most of the season.

The Two-Ways

Alijah Martin – 69

Chomche – 68

Chucky – 68

This is pretty on-par with where the other two-way players are. Every team has a handful of guys in the high 60s, but they’ll spend most of the time in the G-League so this feels like a good spot for all of them. Although it’s probably a few years away, I expect Chomche will be the first of the three that will break 70.

Hopefully with better health, a better season, and a bit more respect we’ll see some climbing among their OVRs by November.

There are a few more OVRs that should really change in November too though…

Three ratings that were too low

1. Tyrese Maxey (86)

At no point in time should a guy who can get you 52 points in a single game be rated this low. I don’t care if he’s hurt, if guys like Embiid, Kat, and Kawhi can all stay in the 90s than he deserves AT LEAST an 89. As a Raptors fan, Philly is public enemy 1, but this is just wild.

1. Aaron Gorden (82)

Did anyone watch Denver without him? He’s a three-level threat that plays with his heart on his sleeve and gives 100% effort. With guys who are statistically worse, bench players, and rookies rated higher, this feels rude.

1. Jalen Johnson (81)

His defence this year was impressive, as was his statistical performance. Averaging a double double while being an insane wing defender should earn you at least an 83. Up is down if this is actually a good rating for him.

Three ratings that were too high

1. Kawhi Leonard (92)

This is probably controversial, but if injury is affects a rating, he should be lower. Not to mention his performances as a whole last season were underwhelming, averaging his fewest points since the 2017-2018 season. I get that some of his historic performance spills over, but this is a 90 in my mind.

1. Amen Thompson (87)

Real question, did someone pay for this rating? 14 points per game? 28% from long range? Don’t get me wrong, I see the talent and role he played for the Rockets this season, but this feels just as bad as the Derrick White inflation. Even an 85 would’ve felt generous. Take in that this puts him above Tyrese Maxey.

1. Julius Randle (86)

His inability to play in the playoffs is my biggest issue here, as well as the drop in production with his move to the T-Wolves. He shouldn’t be tied with Maxey, he shouldn’t be higher than Scottie, and an 84 feels like a better spot to start the year for him.

On November 7 the ratings will update, and we’ll have to see if the Raptors finally get some respect and if some of the other *creative* ratings shift.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/general/47942/2k26-shows-the-raptors-little-love

 

[Toronto Raptors]

Which Raptors starters are worth selecting in fantasy basketball?

With fantasy football seasons nearly 25 per cent of the way through, it’s time to start looking at other sports in a never-ending pursuit of living out our dreams of being a professional sports general manager.

The Toronto Raptors aren’t the most prolific team in the NBA, but just like in other fantasy sports, players don’t necessarily have to be on elite teams to provide value. There are serviceable players to be found everywhere, and it is often mystery teams like the Raptors that should be combed through for potential league winners.

Here’s what several Raptors can offer to your fantasy team.

This mini-guide assumes fantasy players are in a 12-team head-to-head nine-category league. It also incorporates FantasyPros’ consensus average draft position (ADP) and Hashtag Basketball’s rankings.

Scottie Barnes​

2025-26 ADP: 26

2024-25 Ranking: 60

2023-24 Ranking: 21

Since entering the league in 2021-22, Barnes has helped win fantasy leagues as someone capable of stuffing stat sheets on any given night. Barnes was basically a fantasy cheat code in his first two seasons, especially if he was available in some of the later-to-middle rounds of drafts.

What hinders Barnes the most is his three-point shooting. He typically hurts fantasy owners more than the average poor shooter because of the freedom he’s given in Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic’s system. Barnes is averaging 30 per cent on 3.6 attempts from the perimeter.

Despite this, Barnes continues to be an attractive option at the beginning of the third round because of his triple-double potential and defensive stats. Barnes finished 12th in stocks (steals and blocks) last season. Out of the 11 players ranked ahead of him, only the Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have the usage and playmaking chops that Barnes boasts.

Barnes is also a flexible player when building out a fantasy team in H2H nine-category leagues. He’s an elite complementary piece to any of the first-rounders in fantasy.

RJ Barrett​

2025-26 ADP: 72

2024-25 Ranking: 115

2023-24 Ranking: 145

As gritty and improved as Barrett has been since playing for his hometown team, his playstyle historically doesn’t translate to fantasy basketball, particularly when in nine-category leagues. If Barretts falls deeper into the eighth and ninth rounds, it becomes slightly easier to draft him, but anything earlier than that is a bit of a trap.

Brandon Ingram’s health could also dramatically alter Barrett’s end-of-season outcomes. If Barrett’s numbers spike should Ingram get sidelined, he becomes an elite trading chip.

Brandon Ingram​

2025-26 ADP: 74

2024-25 Ranking: 47

2023-24 Ranking: 57

Just like in reality, the best ability Ingram can bring to the Raptors this season is availability. Ingram averaged 50 games a season during his six years in New Orleans. But should Ingram remain healthy, he’s a near-guarantee to return tremendous value for where he’s currently going in drafts. Ingram boasts an ADP of 74, which slots him during the early portion of the seventh round. Even with the injuries, Ingram has finished as a top 60 player in the last five seasons.

Rounds 6-7 are a popular spot for the “centre-run” with options like Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves), Deandre Ayton (Los Angeles Lakers) and the Raptors’ Jakob Poeltl available, but if fantasy owners can address their big man earlier in drafts or through a sleeper option late, then Ingram is an intriguing pivot.

Ingram is known for his prolific scoring, but his assist numbers are elite for the small forward position. Ingram also boasts sneaky defensive numbers. It’s not a coincidence that the 76ers’ Paul George, who is similar in archetype, is ranked next to him in ADP.

Jakob Poeltl​

2025-26 ADP: 73

2024-25 Ranking: 54

2023-24 Ranking: 89

There may not be a more reliable (and predictable) centre to take in some of the later rounds than Poeltl, and in fantasy, that makes the chase for a championship manageable. Poeltl provides top-tier production for those looking to bolster the following categories – field goal percentage, rebounds, and blocks.

Poeltl’s optimal lineup archetype punts free-throw percentages, making him an ideal depth piece if fantasy owners select players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Domantas Sabonis and Barnes.

As previously mentioned, Poeltl is typically part of the panic run on centres that also includes Kristaps Porzingis, Alex Sarr, and Mark Williams. Out of the bigs available in that range, Poeltl has the clearest path to production, especially on a team like the Raptors that desperately depends on him.

Immanuel Quickley​

2025-26 ADP: 85

2024-25 Ranking: 100

2023-24 Ranking: 106

While Barrett may be the least appealing starting Raptor in fantasy, Quickley could be the riskiest option. He burned teams who took him earlier than expected last season. Most of Quickley’s struggles stemmed from a plethora of injuries that made it difficult to develop a rhythm on the court.

Quickley is currently being drafted inside the top 100 – at the beginning of the 10th round – but there’s a realistic chance he either fails to return the investment or finishes where he’s expected to. In the double-digit rounds of the draft, fantasy players should prioritize high-upside over safe bets.

Out of the Raptors’ starters, Quickley’s role may end up changing the most with Ingram’s arrival. A more positive outlook could include Quickley settling into the role of a ‘catch-and-shoot guard who is also occasionally capable of creating their own look’. That’s something he thrived in during his tenure with the New York Knicks.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/raptors-a...rs-fantasy-basketball-roster-picks-statistics

 

[Toronto Raptors]

Jamison Battle’s role on Raptors’ squad is clear

In his first year in the league, Jamison Battle established an identity for himself as a three point specialist for the Toronto Raptors, with his abilities from long range earning him a regular contract with the team. As Battle enters his sophomore year, his role as a shooter is likely to further crystallize as new additions and his own skillset will go on to push him to focus even further into his particular niche.

Battle has distinguished himself as a solid scorer off the bench, playing off-ball, and taking and making catch-and-shoot three pointers. Last season, he ranked second in three-point shooting efficiency for the team, shooting 40.5% from deep, making 1.8 threes per game. He also ranks in the top five for both three points made, and three points attempted on a per game basis. Clearly, the guy can shoot: but what else?

Battle beyond the 3​

As a finisher, Battle plays passably around the rim, not afraid of a layup off a pass, as well as the occasional dunk, without much flashiness or demonstration of athletic prowess. His rebounding numbers are not much to speak of, and while he is capable of passing when the situation demands, facilitation is not something common to see from him on the basketball court. His numbers as a defender do not stand out, either. During his Summer League tenure, Battle turned in solid, but not outstanding performances as a Raptors starter, of a similar nature to what he provided coming off the bench in the regular season. However, a lot of this doesn’t matter because of the forward’s clear identity. Battle has a role and plays it well: bringing the Raptors firepower off the bench. His primary offensive responsibility is clear, but the question for him remains; how large of a role will he have in the 2025-26 squad?

The shooter played 59 games for the team in the 2024-25 season, starting in 10, as a part of last year’s injury-riddled roster. With hopes for a healthier team, it seems inevitable that Jamison Battle’s usage will decrease slightly, but as aforementioned, space for a high quality shooter will always be there on this Raptors’ team, which draws so much of its long-range ability from its bench. With the addition of Brandon Ingram to the starting lineup, and Gradey Dick’s likely move to the 6th man slot, the bench gets deeper, but minutes for guys like Battle will likely decrease as a result. Battle and Dick play similar roles in the Raptors’ offence, with the latter given more of a green light for inside scoring that Battle is. Ingram, as well, will be taking a number of threes that might otherwise have gone to Battle, but the latter’s role as a specialized offensive weapon suggests that Battle will continue to be used as such. A do-it-all player can be outshone by a player who does it all better than them, but Battle is not such a figure: rather, he excels in his niche, and despite encroachments upon his specialty, will continue to maintain his position as a sophomore.

Battle’s role will likely remain consistent under the system of coach Darko Rajaković, despite the addition of new rookie Colin Murray-Boyles to the team. When push comes to shove, the Raptors will likely choose to focus more energy on the development of their new forward than towards Battle, but the two players have such different roles on the team, the potential of one stifling the growth of the other is unlikely. Battle will likely continue to stay the course as a sophomore, raining fire upon the Raptors’ opponents from afar, without being asked to do more of the dirty work close to the basket.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/raptors-r...s-squad-is-clear-raptors-nba-2025-2026-season

 

[Toronto Raptors]

It’s time to scrap the Raptors’ chevron

Dear Chevron,

It’s been five years since you took over. Those five years have been, well, not ideal.

I know, of course, that the team’s downward trajectory throughout your tenure has not been your doing.

You did not draft Malachi Flynn over Desmond Bane, nor did you convince Fred VanVleet to take the money in Houston.

You did not force the team to relocate temporarily to Tampa, just as you got your promotion to the primary jerseys. No, you did not hold onto Pascal Siakam too long, only to trade him as his value tanked ahead of his impending free agency. And it was by no fault of your own that the team’s championship core, built to win in 2019, had aged and mostly left Toronto within a couple years. These things were not, in fact, your fault.

And yet it cannot be helped that these things happened under your watch. Just as you were immortalized by Game 6 in 2019 at Oracle Arena, you’ve also become inseparable from the subsequent plunge into play-in jostling and lottery simulators.

I know what you’re thinking: Those 1995-’99 Raptors had far less success than we’ve had the last five years. Why don’t those uniforms have a stink to them?

The answer is simple, if not slightly cruel: Those jerseys were nice. They look cool, even on a losing team. They ooze nostalgia. To be radically transparent, you fit none of those criteria.

You look clunky. A red jersey with a black chevron containing red lettering with white outlines — it’s just too damn busy. The purple dino jerseys evoke the ‘90s and the charm of an upstart franchise. You evoke a multinational oil and gas corporation.

You’ve had your moments, in fairness.

The @Raptors WIN Game 6 on the road and are your 2018/19 NBA Champions!

Kyle Lowry: 26 PTS, 4 3PT, 10 AST
Pascal Siakam: 26 PTS, 3 3PT, 10 REB
Fred VanVleet: 22 PTS, 5 3PT
Kawhi Leonard: 22 PTS, 6 REB, 3 AST
Serge Ibaka: 15 PTS, 3 REB#WeTheNorth | #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/mMXluMgYgP

— NBA Canada (@NBACanada) June 14, 2019

Like many of the Raptors’ homegrown players in the mid-2010s, you, too, started off as a project. You were much smaller when you graced the sides of the uniforms dating back to the 1999-’00 Vince Carter dunk contest jerseys, and all the way through the Bosh, Bargnani and early Lowry/DeRozan eras. You’d pointed downwards originally. But in 2015 they flipped you upside down because, well, We the North.

By 2017 you were given your first starring role on a jersey. It was a black jersey with a gold chevron across the chest, the word “NORTH” written in black — clean, simple and a nice use of the OVO colors.

The following year they added the same thing but in white, as well as the red-and-white “NORTH” jersey that looks like a Canadian flag — which the team wore when it clinched the NBA championship.

It was that happy memory, I think, that inspired the team to promote you from an alternate look to the team’s visual identity, from its jerseys all the way to the Raptors’ court design. And for that memory alone, you will always have a place in the Raptors’ greatest moments.

But years of mediocrity have tested people’s faith in you. The team even moved away from the court in a quiet admission that there is, in fact, such a thing as “too much chevron.”

For me, “too much” chevron is when it’s featured on anything more than an alternate jersey. Fair or not, your goofy-looking shape is seared in my brain with images of Aron Baynes push shots and Vision 6’9 lineups held scoreless for minutes at a time.

It’s time to move on.

Sure, I admire your uniqueness. I honestly can’t come up with a single team in NBA history who’s worn a jersey that so prominently features the chevron.

But maybe all those teams were onto something.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/general/47997/its-time-to-scrap-the-raptors-chevron

 

[Toronto Raptors]

Toronto Raptors GM reveals how team will operate in first post-Masai season

So much feels the same as we head into another Toronto Raptors season, but in another way, everything is different. It’s the little things, like how, for the first time in over a decade, the Toronto Raptors front office was not represented on media day by Masai Ujiri. Instead, it was Bobby Webster, the newly minted General Manager AND Head of Basketball Operations, who stood atop the podium this time. Before you get confused, it wasn’t Raptors media day yet, which is next week, but Webster couldn’t make it, so he spoke on Friday afternoon.

Webster heads into the season as the new face of the team, and while he assured the media that the day-to-day of the Raptors hasn’t changed much in the absence of Ujiri, it’s a big year for the team. It’s time to determine if this core is as good as expected, or if the team needs to shift in a different direction to get back to winning ways. Always cool as a cucumber, Webster is confident in all aspects of this team — operations, roster, and coaching.

The “kid from Hawaii” as he described himself, casually sat atop the podium in the media room of the OVO Athletic Centre in his signature blue jacket, sipping water after apologizing for his tardiness — he had run a Terry Fox race this morning. After over a decade with the Raptors, Webster is used to the kind of questions the Toronto media asks him, and he responded to everything from roster choices to financial concerns and coaching confidence.

The Team’s Health​

Health and wellness a hot topic in the NBA these days. An 82-game regular season, playoffs, and now an in-season tournament mean the year is gruelling for players. We saw three big injuries in the playoffs last season — Damian Lillard, Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum all suffered Achilles ruptures. The Raptors have had their own share of injuries over the past few seasons. Scottie Barnes has struggled with some wrist issues, Brandon Ingram’s ankle injury means he has yet to play for the team, and the list goes on.

The first question Webster answered addressed the team’s health: everyone on the roster is ready to go for training camp next week. Ingram has made progress and seems to be ready to go, and everyone who ended last season with an ailment spent the offseason recuperating.

When it comes to the long-term health of the team and preventing injury, Webster said with a laugh that “you’d become a billionaire” if you learned how to prevent injury. As for trying, he says the team has extensive discussions in the offseason about keeping players healthy going into the season. The team is well known for its league-wide reputation of having great health and recovery systems, something they are proud of.

While it’s impossible to predict and prevent injuries, they do what they can. Going into the season with a clean slate helps.

The Core Roster​

It’s a big year for the team, especially the core. After getting Brandon Ingram, the fact that Barnes is going into his fifth NBA season, and RJ Barrett’s looming contract extension eligibility, a lot is riding on this season. Will this core be good enough to invest in? Or is the competition league-wide too much, and it’s time to shake it up (again).

Webster says he spoke to Scottie Barnes this week about the upcoming season. Topics in their chat included continuing his leadership development, making sure he is an elite defender, and integrating Ingram into the system. Webster is proud of Barnes’s leadership, saying he’s “grown up” in the past year, especially after the birth of his first child. As Webster said, “that kind of stuff forces you to grow up.”

They have the potential to be pretty good, too. The Eastern Conference is weak, especially with those aforementioned All-Star injuries affecting the East most. The Raptors have a path to a top-6 seed if this core plays well together. Yet, we haven’t seen them hit the court. It won’t take long to get a sense of their ceiling once the season starts, and Webster said that they are not afraid to change course if needed. They intend to be good.

Darko’s confidence is high​

Obviously, one of the many microscopes on this team this year will be on Darko Rajakovic and his staff. We will talk to Darko next week at media day, but Webster has all the faith in his head coach. He mentioned Darko’s confidence in his own coaching ability, how much the players believe in him, and how Darko’s specific “win the day” style leads to long-term results with young players.

There is also a sense of being settled in. It’s Rajakovic’s third season as the team’s head coach. Not much personnel has changed in the offseason, both when it comes to players on his roster and his coaching staff. Everyone is comfortable in their roles, knows what their jobs are, and is ready to get to work. All of the team building over the past two years has been so that when this moment eventually came, this team was ready.

With the confidence of his players, general manager, and the “guys upstairs,” Darko has everything he needs to succeed this season. For the first time, it seems like his real coaching ability will be on display. No more “well they are tanking” or “injuries aren’t in his favour.” It’s time for him to show off his skills at a level he hasn’t had to before.

Yet, all that pressure is coming from the outside. On the inside, Webster has full confidence in Darko, saying there is “no pressure” on him.

Check out the X thread of Bobby’s availability below:

Bobby pic.twitter.com/m8HOEySG6G

— chelsea leite (@chelsealeite) September 26, 2025

The rest of the team, plus Darko Rajakovic, will be available to speak at media day on Monday, September 29.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/raptors-t...-bobby-webster-media-day-masai-preseason-team

 

[Toronto Raptors]

Brandon Ingram tasked with “setting the standard” for Toronto Raptors

When you get as many press conferences in a row as we do on Media Day, themes start to arise. For the Toronto Raptors, everything seemed to focus on their newest star player — Brandon Ingram. From welcoming him to the team to analyzing how he makes them better, the newest Raptor starter brings intrigue and potential to this roster. He’s the main factor in why the Raptors are touted to be a playoff team this season, and his scoring ability is needed on a team that has struggled with that in recent years.

For Ingram himself he is just excited to get back on the basketball court. Out with a severe ankle sprain, he has not played since December 7th, 2024. Ingram describes basketball as his “safe haven,” and getting back to it is of utmost importance to him. He’s excited about this fresh start he’s been given, and the chance to play in front of Toronto’s passionate fans.

BI stepping into a new chapter and setting the standard. pic.twitter.com/AAR8OBBosn

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) September 29, 2025

Ingram poised to take over team offence​

Obviously, one of the biggest reasons the Raptors went out and got Ingram was because he is a multi-level scoring threat. The plan is for him to take over this team’s offence, but also to help the other starters shine as well. He joked at his own media day availability that he knows how to pass the ball, and the balance of him creating his own chances and also passing it out to the others will be the key to a successful Raptors offence.

Ingram can shoot from distance but also drive, and is known for his efficiency as a scorer, as well as his ability to create points for himself in isolation. Yet, that means he attracts a lot of defence from opponents. By alleviating the pressure on Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett, those guys will have more open scoring chances. It’s about knowing what the best play is, and making sure your ego is in check enough to make those reads, according to Ingram.

The other guys are excited about this prospect as well. Quickley mentioned the way he has been working on versatility on offence so that he can make the most of those chances he will get. Barrett was nearly giddy at the idea of being able to show off his efficiency more. Scottie felt the relief of having yet another option to go to.

As his coach, Darko Rajakovic just wanted Ingram to be himself — and that means scoring.

Showing off his leadership​

Brandon Ingram comes across as a quiet guy. When you peel back that exterior layer, he actually seems like the kind of guy who just takes a minute to open up. That soft spokenness is just a different flavour of leadership this Raptors team has at their disposal. Ingram has been described as a “lead by example” kind of guy, which is fantastic for a team filled with young potential.

That has come into play so far as the team has tried to build offseason chemistry. The starters have met up multiple times over the summer to work out, play together, build chemistry, and get reps. This group has yet to take the court together, and they will have to learn as they go, with no time to play together last season, due to injuries.

Ingram took it upon himself to host one of these meetups in California. He gets a sense of joy from putting in the work and going through the process. Bobby Webster called him a “hooper’s hooper” last week. He says he gets that work ethic from his dad, who ran a rec gym in his hometown during his childhood. All of that will come into play as Ingram immediately takes on a leadership role on this roster he has yet to play a game with.

Adapting to the Rajakovic system​

Darko’s system is all about defence. Defence creates offence, and he wants his players to take pride in the defence they play. Ingram, as fans will know, is more of an offence-minded player. That doesn’t mean he can’t adapt, though. He almost feels eager to do so. After all, the best players in today’s NBA are two-way threats.

Ingram is always the first to say how much fun he thinks basketball is. Even though many may say defence is less fun, Ingram still thinks it’s fun. He told the media today that he feels the responsibility to show up as his best every single day for this team. He is willing to do whatever it takes to win, and that means being a tough defender.

Everything is different for Ingram in Toronto. He was surprised upon coming here that every single home game is packed, despite how well or not well the team is doing in the season. He appreciates the enthusiasm from fans, the atmosphere, and the opportunity he has here.

It will be exciting to see how he fits into this new role on a new team.

Source: https://www.raptorshq.com/raptors-t...-goals-scoring-leadership-media-training-camp