Raptors’ Ingram Targets Durability While Barrett Awaits Extension Talks
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Toronto, ON — After two injury-plagued seasons, forward Brandon Ingram says his priority is staying on the floor for the 2025/26 Toronto Raptors.
The 28-year-old All-Star missed all of 2024/25 following a February trade from New Orleans and appeared in only 18 games the year before because of a severe ankle sprain. “Going on two months, three months with the ankle. When am I gonna be healthy again?” Ingram told The Athletic’s Eric Koreen. “I was like, ‘Damn, I don’t know when I’m going to be back to my normal self.’”
Adjusting the workload
According to Sportsnet’s Michael Grange, Ingram overhauled his offseason routine to curb what he believes is over-training. “I don’t know how to stay out of the gym,” he said. “It’s about knowing when to rest, when to be out on the floor, when to go hard, when certain days are mental days.”
Coaches and teammates view Ingram as a vocal presence on a roster built around young core pieces. “I know my own vision for where I want to be and that’s at the top of the league,” he added.
Early on-court returns
Through two games, Ingram is averaging 22.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steal in 32.0 minutes, shooting .472 from the field, .333 from deep and .800 at the line. Turnovers have been an issue (4.5 per game), yet Ingram praised the club’s composure after the season-opening win in Atlanta: “Everybody was poised and we just got the best shot.”
Barrett’s contract status
Wing RJ Barrett was eligible for an extension before opening night, but Grange reports that talks never progressed because Toronto wants a full season to evaluate how Barrett fits alongside Ingram and Scottie Barnes. “Realistically, those things don’t really happen until the end of the season anyway,” Barrett said. “I’m trying to focus on winning and making an impact here.”
Murray-Boyles nearing debut
Lottery pick Collin Murray-Boyles (right forearm strain) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game in Dallas and is considered day-to-day. No other Raptor appears on the injury report.
Source: Hoops Rumors
