Brandon Ingram has been a critical component of the Raptors offense this season. Anyone who has watched Toronto has seen how the team relies on Ingram in the halfcourt to create scoring opportunities against set defenses.
Despite Ingram being an essential part of the team’s offense, his impact is not felt in the same way as others on the team. He is the leading scorer, but outside of scoring, he does not offer a lot else.
Raptors' loss to Detroit was the latest example of Ingram’s shortcomings
Toronto faced Detroit on March 31st. Ingram scored an efficient 22 points, right in line with his season average. However, even on an efficient scoring night, his impact was barely felt in the game. Ingram finished with just one rebound and no assists, steals, or blocks. He also played lackluster defense.
It is unlikely that a more well-rounded performance from Ingram would have changed the outcome of that lopsided Detroit loss, but this game was not an outlier.
On the season, Ingram has had only two games with double-digit rebounds, and his season high in assists is seven. Toronto does not ask Ingram to be a primary playmaker, but for someone who handles the ball so frequently and commands so many double teams, you would expect that number to be higher.
Brandon Ingram might have to adopt a new approach on the court
Toronto is a transition-oriented offense.
They lead the league in fastbreak points per game and are ranked third in transition frequency. Ingram, on the other hand, plays with a slower, more methodical pace.
When Ingram is on the floor, Toronto plays at its slowest pace compared to any other rotation player. What would the Raptors offense look like if Ingram played with a more up-tempo, pass-happy approach? His impact would likely be felt more if he leaned into the team’s identity.
The halfcourt offense would still require Ingram’s tough shot-making abilities, but if he embraced getting out in transition, it would emphasize the strengths of the entire team.
If Ingram committed to grabbing more defensive rebounds and pushing the pace in transition, he could produce a lot more offense for this team. He also has the skillset to trail behind and knock down catch-and-shoot looks.
For Toronto to truly fire on all cylinders, their second All-Star needs to fully commit to their transition-heavy style of play. The Raptors have entered the most critical stretch of the season. It may be difficult for Ingram to embrace a new approach this late, but he may not have a choice if this team is going to make noise in the playoffs.