Raptors
Forward Brandon Ingram, 28, looks fully recovered after two injury-plagued seasons. Speaking with The Athletic, he said the uncertainty surrounding his ankle issues was more difficult than the pain itself. Ingram revamped his offseason program, putting equal emphasis on rest and training, and the early results are strong: 22.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3 assists on 47 percent shooting through two games. He has also taken on a louder leadership role, telling reporters he expects to “be at the top of the league” when everything clicks.
Toronto, meanwhile, did not reach a rookie-scale extension with guard RJ Barrett before opening night. Team officials want time to evaluate how Barrett fits alongside Ingram and Scottie Barnes, according to Sportsnet. “I’m focused on winning first,” Barrett said, though he admitted the contract situation is on his mind.
Thunder
Chet Holmgren entered Saturday’s matchup in Atlanta listed as questionable, erupted for 14 points in the first quarter, dislocated a thumb in the second, and still finished with 31 points, 12 rebounds and three steals. Coach Mark Daigneault praised Holmgren’s competitiveness after the rookie insisted on returning once X-rays showed no fracture. Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander noted Holmgren’s improved strength and explosiveness, crediting summer work. Gilgeous-Alexander had a lighter workload himself, scoring 30 points in 29 minutes during Oklahoma City’s 117-100 victory after back-to-back double-overtime games to start the year.
Bulls
With center Zach Collins sidelined following wrist surgery, Jalen Smith has reclaimed the Bulls’ backup center role. Smith, 25, signed a three-year, $27 million deal last offseason but lost minutes late last year after a concussion. He missed all seven field-goal attempts on opening night but rebounded two days later in Orlando, scoring 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting in 17 minutes. Chicago’s bench produced 58 points in that win, and Smith said he’s determined not to squander this new opportunity.
Source: Hoops Wire
