I think a lot of the talk surrounding Toronto's upcoming 2025-26 campaign has largely focused on storylines like Brandon Ingram's fit, Immanuel Quickley's ability to live up to expectations, growth from Scottie Barnes, and even the anticipated rookie performance of Collin Murray-Boyles.
But I feel a player storyline that is sort of getting pushed to the side is what the second-year campaign will look like for Ja'Kobe Walter.
Drafted 19th overall by the Raptors in the 2024 NBA Draft, Walter put forth a solid rookie season, but not impressive enough to warrant a spot on any of the All-Rookie teams: he played a total of 52 games, averaged 8.2 points on 40.5% shooting from the field, 34.9% from three, along with 3.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and nearly a steal per game (0.8), in just over an average of 21 minutes played per night.
To the average NBA onlooker, those stats might not blow you away, but for the keen Raptors fan, I'd say they were more than impressed by the energy and hustle that Ja'Kobe Walter exhibited in just his first year with the team.
It's why, throughout a couple of pieces during the season, I highlighted Walter as a draft steal and a breath of youthful fresh air for the Raptors squad. Considering the hand Walter was dealt heading into a 2024-25 Raptors team that was really trying to figure itself out on all fronts (a truly developmental year all around), I don't think you could've asked for more from the ex-Baylor Bears product.
Where does Ja'Kobe Walter fit into the Raptors' equation?
Truly, I believe that Walter has all the makings to take a good chunk of the limelight in this crucial campaign. At the recent Summer League, Walter recorded some impressive stats on paper, averaging 16 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.6 steals over five games. Now, the reason I say "on paper" is because his efficiency left a lot to be desired: 36.4% from the field and 27.5% from three. Certainly a bit startling, but I don't think it's anything to lose sleep over.
Walter changed his look a bit in the offseason, and I'm not just referring to his haircut. The 20-year-old packed on some muscle to his frame, and considering the role he's largely destined to serve at his highest ceiling in the NBA — a stout 3-and-D wing akin to a veteran like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope — I think he's taking the right steps toward becoming a truly physical defender down the line.
I also think that, based on the depth chart at Walter's position, I have more confidence that he'll eclipse Gradey Dick in the rotation — merely because of his defensive intensity and an expected increase in his shooting flow. Aside from Dick, it's about establishing himself as a unique force within both the offense and defense, without overlapping with someone like Ochai Agbaji or perhaps AJ Lawson (if he lasts to secure a main roster spot). Given that Walter is more of a long-term project compared to those guys, I’d say he has very little to worry about.
All in all, I think the Raptors are blessed to have their ideal 3-and-D connector role player in Ja'Kobe Walter, who could very well be their ultimate dark horse of the future.