It's mid-August, so the NBA news cycle isn't buzzing as much as it was at the start of summer, but the release of the official 2025-26 regular season schedule earlier today has certainly added a fresh dose of intrigue and excitement for basketball fans everywhere.
Speaking of important dates on the horizon for this promising, yet still somewhat overlooked Raptors squad, one upcoming spring date stands out — not only for Raptors Nation but likely for another fanbase as well. On March 11, the Raptors will face the New Orleans Pelicans, marking the first time newly-minted Raptors star and former Pelicans standout Brandon Ingram returns to "The Big Easy," barring any injuries.
Raptors vs. Pelicans clash in March highlights Brandon Ingram’s return
Brandon Ingram might not have led the Pelicans to much winning success during his time with the team, but I’d argue he still left a lasting impact over the five seasons he played. I still remember the buzz and intrigue surrounding the 2019-20 post-Anthony Davis era Pelicans: a young, promising core led by Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Hart, along with the injury drama surrounding Zion Williamson, while veterans like JJ Redick and Jrue Holiday still contributed their experience.
That 2020 season was arguably Ingram's most notable in the NBA so far, solidifying his status as one of the league's rising stars, winning the Most Improved Player award, and earning a spot in the All-Star Game. Whether that season set too high expectations for Ingram or not, I'd argue he somewhat grew to be overshadowed by brighter, young names in the NBA landscape, falling into the category of fringe, almost tertiary basketball stars.
Ingram is by no means a poor or ineffective player, but as I just mentioned in an article highlighting comments by ESPN's Tim Legler, the main concern with Brandon Ingram leading your team is his durability ... his ability (or lack thereof) to stay healthy.
This is a critical stage in Ingram's career. It’s not just about him changing jerseys and repping a different team. Much of the Raptors' future depends on this risky gamble with Ingram paying off. Meanwhile, the Pelicans proved not to be the team to sign him long-term. Though Ingram served as a reliable contributor over the years, it became clear that a long-term future with BI was not sustainable for New Orleans. Now, the hope is that Toronto won't realize the same mistake down the line, and that Ingram can develop a new sense of chemistry and identity with a different team around him.
Nevertheless, Ingram's anticipated return to New Orleans should be a key date on the Raptors' schedule, and hopefully, the Pelicans fans will welcome the "Notorious B.I.3" back with open arms.