Brandon Ingram has given the Toronto Raptors exactly what they hoped for this season. Since joining the team after a trade deadline move in February 2025, Ingram has emerged as the Raptors' leading scorer, taking charge of their challenging half-court offense.
This shift has allowed Scottie Barnes to focus on his defensive prowess, transforming games nightly with his tenacity. Ingram's health has been a standout, missing just two games, and his clutch performances were pivotal in the Raptors' strong early-season run.
However, Ingram's limitations have surfaced during the Raptors' recent struggles. Their 122-111 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans marked a slip from the Eastern Conference's top six for the first time since November.
With the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic overtaking them, and the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets gaining momentum, the Raptors face a critical juncture. They have a tough schedule ahead, with only two of their next ten games against teams with a losing incentive.
Falling into the Play-In Tournament's lower seeds is a real risk if they don't turn things around.
Ingram's return to New Orleans saw him score 22 points on 8-of-19 shooting, but the Raptors were outscored by 25 points during his 38 minutes on the floor. The contrast between Ingram and Barnes is stark: the Raptors have been outscored by 77 points in Ingram's 578 minutes over the last 17 games, while outscoring opponents by 75 points in Barnes' 538 minutes.
This isn't about competition between teammates; it's about impact. Coach Darko Rajaković ensures one of these All-Stars is always on the court, but it's clear Barnes is elevating the team in ways Ingram currently isn't.
Ingram's role as the top option has exposed some weaknesses, particularly his decision-making speed. Against the Pelicans, he turned the ball over four times, contributing to a rough start in the third quarter.
Ingram averages 3.8 assists and 2.5 turnovers per game, a step down from his 2023-24 season in New Orleans where he averaged 5.7 assists. While he's not the primary playmaker, his efficiency is crucial for a team with little room for error.
His shooting has dipped during a recent slump, settling around his career averages. He's a solid midrange shooter, but not quite the offensive juggernaut needed to carry the team alone.
Not all of this falls on Ingram. The Raptors struggle with 3-point shooting, ranking 25th in percentage and attempts.
The bench is young and inconsistent, and injuries to key players like Jakob Poeltl have been problematic. General Manager Bobby Webster has work to do in building around Ingram, who signed a three-year, $120 million extension post-trade.
This contract, while necessary to unlock Barnes' potential, limits flexibility in team-building.
Despite the challenges, Ingram has shown resilience and skill. The Raptors have outscored opponents by just 7 points over his 2,107 minutes this season. He hasn't fully shaken the perception that his game doesn't always translate to winning, but his presence has been a positive force.
Ingram remains optimistic, stating, “I ain’t done it yet. I think I gotta do it again,” after being snubbed as an All-Star reserve, only to later join as an injury replacement.
With 18 games left, Ingram has the opportunity to change the narrative. If not, both he and the Raptors will face significant questions about their future direction.