We still have just over a month and some change before the Raptors suit up again for a critical, yet still very much experimental 2025-26 season. With that comes a ton of questions about how well they will perform, considering the new-look team, ownership seemingly applying pressure, and GM Bobby Webster fully entrusted as Toronto's top boss.
Some outlets, like ESPN which I highlighted a couple of pieces back, suggested that Toronto will once again prove to be among the Eastern Conference purgatory, falling out of the playoff picture entirely — which would undoubtedly be the Raptors experiencing the absolute worst-case scenario given all the chips they've put into this risky gamble.
However, a new Bleacher Report NBA article by Grant Hughes offers a bit more optimism about the Raptors' 2025-26 prospects. In fact, as the title suggests, Toronto falls into the category of "The 5 NBA Teams That Will Improve the Most Next Season."
And adding substance to this point, Hughes mentions the addition of Brandon Ingram, who, while still somewhat uncertain — since no one quite knows his ceiling or impact as a team's primary option —remains an All-Star caliber talent in his prime, and that can't be ignored.
Is Brandon Ingram not getting the recognition he deserves?
While Ingram was limited to only 18 games played in the 2024-25 season, choosing to nurse his ankle injury after joining Toronto at the deadline (some might say the Raptors decided to sit him out for 'tanking' purposes), Hughes notes that BI demonstrated a willingness to take a high volume of three-pointers, even if his shooting efficiency varied. Ingram attempted 6.4 three-pointers per game, up from 3.8, 3.6, and 4.1 attempts in the three seasons prior.
Ingram is certainly renowned for his heavy isolation plays and mid-range game, but becoming a key three-point threat in the Raptors' offense will undoubtedly be a top priority for Toronto's coaching staff and playbook schemes.
I don't know how much of Ingram's underrating stems from his playstyle, his ability to impact winning, or if it's simply his nagging injury issues that keep him in this perceived tier among NBA fans. I would definitely say that his health is a clear red flag, but when it comes to talent, Brandon Ingram unquestionably has a well-versed bag of tricks ready to be unleashed.
If some fans and basketball commentators are already counting him out before he's even played a game for Toronto, then you could argue that Ingram is currently considered one of the most underrated players in the league. However, the hope is that he can turn over a new leaf and finally stay healthy for longer periods in Toronto, which might allow him to finally prove his true value and change those perceptions.