Ja'Kobe Walter could become Raptors' next G League success story

It's unrealistic to expect a young, inexperienced prospect like Ja'Kobe Walter to make an immediate impact at the next level.

This was undoubtedly a consideration for Toronto when they selected the 20-year-old with the 19th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Raptors' front office has great confidence in Walter's potential to develop into a polished, prototypical 3-and-D wing who can excel in the modern NBA. However, with these expectations comes the need for time for growth.

So far in his rookie campaign, Walter has played in four games for the Raptors. His appearances have been less than impressive when looking solely at the box score, as he is averaging just 2.5 points and 2.8 rebounds, with a shooting percentage of 18%. However, it's unfair to draw definitive conclusions about Walter's potential based solely on these analytics, considering the small sample size.

Unfortunately, Walter encountered a setback in his rookie season when he exited the Raptors' November 7 matchup against Sacramento due to a right shoulder joint contusion. Walter's bad luck was evident as he reinjured the same shoulder that had sidelined him during training camp and preseason, delaying his rookie debut until November 1 against the Lakers.

To aid his recovery to playing speed, the Toronto Raptors decided to assign Walter to their G League development program, Raptors 905, where he has excelled so far.

Ja'Kobe Walter has been exceptional for the Raptors 905

In his G League debut on November 22, Walter topped the team in scoring with 20 points, shooting 53% from the field and a promising 3-of-8 from beyond the arc. On November 24, Walter delivered another impressive performance for the 905, scoring 13 points while adding five rebounds and two assists, with an efficient shooting percentage of 50%.

It may be another small sample size to consider, but Walter's time with the 905 appears to be an ideal environment for him to truly thrive. As Toronto's main roster gradually returns to full health, the opportunity for younger, inexperienced players like Ja'Kobe Walter to get minutes seems increasingly unlikely.

While the Raptors are primarily focused on navigating their rebuild and developing young talent, they've demonstrated a surprising ability to challenge even the toughest teams, showcasing a competitive spirit that belies their losing record. Therefore, the Toronto Raptors don't need to rush Walter back into action. It may be more beneficial for them to keep him with the 905, focusing on developing his strengths.

Ideally, Walter will view his relegation to Raptors 905 not as a demotion, but as a valuable opportunity for growth that can enhance his chances of becoming a key contributor on the Raptors’ main roster. While he may not be as NBA-ready as players like Jonathan Mogbo or Jamal Shead, he requires a platform to fully develop his talents, and the G League offers just that.

With that said, the hope is that Walter can excel in the G League and emerge as the next breakout star for the Raptors 905, similar to the success stories of Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, and Norman Powell. This experience will help him return to the Raptors with increased confidence and maturity.