Raptors newcomer Brandon Ingram ruled out for season
The Toronto Raptors have chosen to shut down star forward Brandon Ingram for the rest of the season after receiving an injection in his injured left ankle.
Ingram received a platelet-rich plasma injection on Tuesday and is expected to be fully healthy before the team’s summer training program.
Ingram hasn’t played since early December, which has put a more prominent spotlight on his long-term health.
He has yet to play for the Raptors since being acquired before the trade deadline on Feb. 6.
Although he hasn’t suited up for the franchise, he has inked a three-year, $120 million extension. He is now under contract through the 2027-28 season with a $41.9 million player option in the final year.
That alone places a significant investment in Ingram’s future as he is a cornerstone piece alongside former All-Star Scottie Barnes.
Ingram was limited to only 18 games this season, averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while shooting 46.5 percent from the floor and 37.4 percent from beyond the arc.
Ingram is a proven scorer that the Raptors can rely on to provide consistent offensive production. He has the chance to emerge as the team’s top-scoring option alongside Barnes.
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The 27-year-old has averaged 20 or more points in each of the last six seasons since being moved to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of the Anthony Davis trade.
The Raptors have missed the playoffs in each of the last three seasons. The organization is hopeful that its restructured core group can put it back into the postseason.
