The Raptors organization was already set to have a strong presence at this weekend’s NBA All-Star festivities, but Raptors Nation got another dose of feel-good news this past week. It was announced that Brandon Ingram received the commissioner’s nod to replace an injured Steph Curry in the All-Star Game. He joins Scottie Barnes, head coach Darko Rajakovic, rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, and two-way players Alijah Martin and AJ Lawson in Los Angeles.

This marks the seventh time in franchise history that the Toronto Raptors have had two All-Stars selected for the big game. Much of this success dates back to the days when Toronto boasted a talented tandem of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. The most recent occurrence was in the 2019-20 season, when Lowry and Pascal Siakam both made the cut. For a Raptors team that many mainstream pundits didn’t have high hopes for, having two All-Stars in the grand showcase is another exciting development in what’s already been a positive season.

But I’d bet that no one is probably more glad than the “Notorious B.I.3” himself. Speaking of the 2019-20 All-Star Game I just mentioned, that’s where Brandon Ingram’s name was last called for All-Star weekend. It was also the year that arguably marked his best NBA season so far. Of course, Ingram took home the NBA’s Most Improved Player award that year too.

But since then, his star has somewhat faded before landing in Toronto. The following years in New Orleans didn’t bring much in terms of team success, aside from a few first-round playoff appearances. He could always put up the high scoring numbers, and his assists would gradually increase as his time with the Pelicans went on. But the BI discussions mostly focused on whether he could truly make a difference in winning when the pressure was on.

His defense would be questioned, as would his ability to be a reliable offensive weapon outside of his excellent mid-range game. The biggest concern surrounding BI is whether he can stay healthy for an extended period. While I can’t yet confidently say that Brandon Ingram can impact winning on the biggest stage, that would certainly be playoff season, his performance in this All-Star season has been strong enough to quiet the doubts that followed him going into this critical step in his career.

Brandon Ingram reaches All-Star status again – but the job is far from finished

Aside from his co-star Scottie Barnes, who has shifted his two-way play into a new gear and might even become a top contender for DPOY, Ingram’s overall contribution has been a major factor in the Raptors’ success. We’re still in February and Ingram has already played in 53 games for this Raptors squad, which at some points in his career, has been the area where his total appearances would cap off at for the year. Outside of a two-game absence in January, he’s been right there at the Raptors’ benefit to utilize on a nightly basis.

Ingram’s ability to boost the offense has been a major factor in Toronto’s ability to stay in the competitive mix. Last year, they simply didn’t have that, even though they desperately tried to find it in their BBQ (Barnes, Barrett, Quickley) trio. Ingram’s season averages of 21.8 points on 47.4 percent field goal shooting, 36.5 percent from three, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists may seem modest and perhaps in line with his usual output.

However, the strong push from Raptors Nation and even others in the basketball sphere like Draymond Green and John Wall highlighted the initial Brandon Ingram All-Star snub, and that he was more than deserving of a selection — even if others have looked this development from a different perspective.

Sure, it comes as an injury replacement, but now more than ever, it’s up to Brandon Ingram to keep this All-Star momentum going in the right direction. He needs to help make an impact as the Raptors chase playoff relevance and glory. There is a strong chance he remains a key focal point for the Raptors during this competitive window alongside Scottie Barnes — unless, of course, he’s traded for something bigger.

Building on what is essentially a career second wind will be a story to watch closely in the interim and seasons ahead.