Amid a challenging stretch for the Toronto Raptors, the holiday season offers a chance to focus on some promising developments. Two key storylines are providing a glimmer of hope for the franchise and its fans: the unexpected durability of star forward Brandon Ingram and the impending return of offensive catalyst RJ Barrett.
Brandon Ingram Defies Injury History
When the Raptors acquired Brandon Ingram in a January 2025 trade, significant questions surrounded his long-term health. The former All-Star had suffered a severe ankle injury just two months prior, ending his previous season prematurely. His career had been marked by frequent absences, missing an average of roughly a quarter of his team's games due to various ailments.
Against all odds, Ingram has silenced those concerns so far in the 2025-26 campaign. He currently leads the entire NBA in games played and is logging 34.3 minutes per contest, matching his career high. While there have been minor scares, including a tweak to his ankle last week, Ingram has responded well and remained on the court.
"Coming off a season where I think I only played in 17 games. It's an OK start for me," Ingram told reporters, including the Toronto Sun, after a recent game against Boston. "I'm happy that I'm able to be on the floor every single night for sure." His availability has become a point of personal pride as he aims to disprove critics who doubted his ability to play through less-than-ideal physical conditions.
RJ Barrett's Return Can't Come Soon Enough
The Raptors' offence has cratered since RJ Barrett went down with a non-contact injury, plummeting from one of the league's best to its very worst. While not the sole cause, Barrett's absence has been a major factor in the shocking decline.
Barrett had been exceptional at putting pressure on defences with his relentless drives to the basket, a skill no other wing on the roster reliably possesses. He had also shown improved playmaking this season, fitting well alongside Ingram and Scottie Barnes even as his offensive role evolved.
Attempts to fill his void have largely failed. Gradey Dick's third season has been disappointing, Ja'Kobe Walter has struggled in his second year, and fill-in starter Ochai Agbaji has been mediocre, failing to replicate his promising form from last season. None of these players offer the multi-threat offensive game that Barrett provides.
The positive news is that Barrett is nearing a return. He has been participating in on-court work with assistant coaches before games and is expected to be cleared for contact soon, with a return likely in the New Year if not sooner. His extended absence has also underscored his value, making the idea of trading him—a popular offseason topic—seem particularly unwise.
Rookie Contributions and Future Assets
Beyond the immediate stars, the Raptors have found value in their recent draft picks, which is crucial for a team facing luxury tax concerns.
First-round pick Collin Murray-Boyles has shown he belongs. While his ceiling is still unclear, he has proven to be, at minimum, a quality backup big man who can defend multiple positions, rebound, and has even shot better than expected. Finding him more minutes, potentially at centre, could help address a positional weakness.
Second-round selection Alijah Martin has been a standout for the undefeated-starting Raptors 905 in the G League, averaging 18.8 points and shooting 41% from three-point range. Undrafted free agent Chucky Hepburn has also been a catalyst for the 905 as a defensive stalwart and playmaker.
Furthermore, sophomore Jamal Shead, the 45th pick in 2025, is making a significant impact. He leads all second-year players in assists, and his performance suggests he would be a first-round pick in a re-draft today.
For a Raptors team in need of positive signs, the health of Ingram, the imminent return of Barrett, and the emergence of cost-controlled young talent provide legitimate reasons for festive cheer as the calendar turns.
