'We’re making the playoffs': Ingram ready for statement season with Raptors

Brandon Ingram, now with the Toronto Raptors, is determined to reestablish himself as a top NBA player after injuries and disappointing seasons sidelined him. As a former No. 2 overall draft pick, Los Angeles Laker, and All-Star, he fell off the radar following a high-ankle sprain that limited him to just 18 games last season, none since his trade to the Raptors in February.

Ingram, healthy again, aims to showcase his full skill set as the offensive focal point, emphasizing playmaking, movement without the ball, three-point shooting, and competitiveness. His quiet confidence resonates with Raptors fans, who hope he can deliver on his talent, which includes career averages of at least 23 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists over the past six seasons, with a 37.2% three-point shooting rate.

However, durability remains a significant risk, as he has averaged only 51 games per season during that span. The Raptors accepted this gamble by trading for him and signing him to a $120 million, three-year contract extension.

After months of recovery—which Ingram described as unexpectedly challenging due to severe swelling—he was cleared for full 5-on-5 play in July. He credits the Raptors' training staff for their support and is now optimistic about the team's playoff chances, despite low external expectations, such as an over-under win total of 32.5 for the upcoming season.

Ingram confidently predicts a playoff berth, highlighting the team's hard-playing defensive identity and his intention to help build "championship habits" by establishing a cohesive offensive identity without disrupting their existing effort.