Brandon Ingram only made two official appearances as a member of the Toronto Raptors this season. But none of them occurred on the hardwood.
In his 2024-25 season exit interview, his second press conference since landing in Toronto during the past midseason trade and eventually signing an extension, deadline acquisition Brandon Ingram couldn’t hide his disappointment that he never touched the floor wearing a Raptors uniform even for a single second.
Acquired by the franchise after more than five years as the franchise star of the New Orleans Pelicans, Ingram’s debut was eagerly awaited.
Yet in the end, his injuries have completely restricted him from playing and the Toronto Raptors what he is capable of.
Photo by Mert Alper Derv/Anadolu via Getty ImagesBrandon Ingram details frustration for failing to play for Toronto Raptors this season
Brandon Ingram has been ailing with a significant left ankle sprain since December.
Unfortunately, this injury continued bothering him as he failed to give the Raptors organization and fans an important look of what he can bring to their table.
Since joining the Raps upon being conflicted to go to two other teams, Ingram underwent strict monitoring regarding his injury recovery and limited on-court activity. But in the end, he had no choice but to continue being on the sidelines.
And from taking a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in his injured left ankle from last week, Ingram subsequently announced unavailable to play for the remainder of the season.
“It’s been pretty frustrating,” Ingram said about not playing for Raps since his trade deadline arrival. “You know, when I’m playing basketball I feel like I’m in my groove. That’s the thing that I love to do the most.
“So I’ve had to develop some patience just looking on the floor and not trying to be anxious, just trying to figure out where I could be best.
“Still, I cheer on my teammates and see where I can help. But I’m pretty anxious to get on the floor.”
Ingram seizes new beginnings, chance to lead as a Raptor
Nevertheless, despite not making his Raptors debut this season, this doesn’t diminish the sky-high optimism that Ingram has with his brand-new Toronto team.
The Raptors are motivated to re-enter the Eastern Conference contention picture with their talented young core of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Gradey Dick. And as the franchise went all-in to him in the long run, Ingram simply understands his role to help Toronto take the next step.
After enduring a lopsided and shady ending in his Pelicans tenure filled with constant trade rumors and speculations, Ingram couldn’t ask for a better place to settle in and ignite a fresh chapter other than The North.
“I think it was a year of change,” Ingram said. “It is a year of change where I came to a new team.
“It feels like another start for me, where I can have a chance to have an impact on an organization where I can lead, and I can show some different things about myself on and off the floor.”