JaKobe Walter Emphasizes Defense as Raptors Manage Injuries and Depth
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Rookie guard JaKobe Walter is carving out a spot in Toronto by concentrating on defense, a shift from the scoring role he held at Baylor. “When I got to Toronto is when I really started focusing and realizing that I wanted to be the stopper-type guy,” the 2024 first-round pick said after Thursday’s win in Chicago.
At 6’4” and 180 pounds with a 6’10” wingspan, Walter has impressed head coach Darko Rajaković with aggressive on-ball coverage while converting 35.3% of his three-point attempts. “There is a growing confidence inside this group that he’s ready for this challenge,” Rajaković noted.
Injury Updates and Rotation Notes
Sandro Mamukelashvili is playing through a bruised rib as he seeks meaningful playoff minutes for the first time. The 26-year-old forward/center is averaging 11.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists on .525/.383/.764 shooting over 55 games (22.5 MPG). He holds a $2.8 million player option for 2026/27 that he is expected to decline.
Lottery pick Collin Murray-Boyles continues to log regular minutes despite a thumb issue. The rookie has appeared in 45 contests (22.2 MPG) and is producing 8.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.9 blocks while providing switchable defense. “That’s why I was drafted — to make an impact,” he said.
Scottie Barnes missed Sunday’s game for personal reasons but is not listed on the injury report and is expected back Tuesday against Oklahoma City. Center Jakob Poeltl (lower back strain injury management) will sit out Tuesday on the first night of a back-to-back that concludes Wednesday in San Antonio.
Source: Hoops Rumors
