The Toronto Raptors made a major move at the trade deadline, acquiring Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans on Feb. 6. However, the All-Star forward has yet to make his debut for the Raptors, having been sidelined since Dec. 7 with a right ankle sprain sustained in a 119-109 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Ingram's season has been plagued by injuries, limiting him to just 18 games before being traded. During that span, he averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game for the Pelicans, including a season-high 33 points in his first game of the season against the Chicago Bulls in October.
Since arriving in Toronto, Ingram has missed 19 straight games, with his 20th consecutive absence coming on Sunday. With just 12 games left in the regular season, Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic provided an update on Ingram's status:
"He's been progressing with running," Rajakovic announced. "He's been progressing with some lateral movement as well. He's still not doing anything in contact, but we've seen the progress."
Brandon Ingram update from Darko Rajakovic:
"He's been progressing with running. He's been progressing with some lateral movement as well. He's still not doing anything in contact, but we've seen the progress."
Next update in 10 days.
— Adam Laskaris (@adam_la2karis) March 23, 2025
While time is limited for a return this season, this update is promising for the Raptors, who signed Ingram to a three-year contract extension shortly after acquiring him. The former Duke standout was originally selected second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2016 NBA draft before being included in the Anthony Davis trade to New Orleans. Over five seasons with the Pelicans, Ingram averaged 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in 305 games, earning an All-Star selection in 2020.
The Raptors (24-46) will return to action on Sunday against the San Antonio Spurs. With their postseason hopes all but faded, the focus shifts to getting Ingram fully healthy for next season as the Raptors continue their rebuild toward championship contention.
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This story was originally published March 23, 2025 at 6:39 PM.