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.
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.
