The Raptors drew criticism last season for trading a first-round pick for an injured Brandon Ingram and then immediately giving him a three-year, $120MM extension despite knowing he wouldn’t play at all in 2024/25.
But as Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reports, Toronto’s bold investment is beginning to pay off.
Ingram’s averages – 20.9 points and 3.9 assists on .496/.302/.878 shooting – aren’t overwhelming on paper, yet Lewenberg argues his influence on the Raptors’ offense has been more transformative than any player since Kawhi Leonard.
His presence has revitalized Toronto’s half-court sets and forced defenses to commit extra attention, creating easier looks for his teammates.
“(Other teams) know how dangerous he is,” Scottie Barnes said. “He draws so much attention. He’s so talented. Once he gets to his spots, it’s unstoppable.”
With nine wins in their last 10 games, Toronto is 10–5 and holding second place in the East.
Their offensive rating has jumped to seventh in the league (117.8), a dramatic improvement from last season’s 26th-ranked offense (109.6).
The Raptors also have a favorable stretch ahead, with upcoming games against Washington, Brooklyn, Indiana, and Charlotte.
Raptors Notes: Ingram, Barnes, Mahlalela, Mamukelashvili https://t.co/oeOB7xBEie pic.twitter.com/GoZtUhM84z
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) November 20, 2025
