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Highlights From Raptors Media Day

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The Toronto Raptors have wrapped up their Media Day ahead of the 2025-26 regular season.

Here are the highlights from an entertaining afternoon in the North.

Highlights From Raptors Media Day

Sandro Mamukeshavili’s Role

Among the offseason’s under-the-radar signings was the Raptors addition of Sandro Mamukelashvili, who had spent the past seasons with the San Antonio Spurs. Gifted with guard skills despite his 6-foot-10 frame, the four-year NBA veteran is a dynamic big man who put together nice tape in past seasons but has rarely had a steady role. Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic plans to change that.

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Next season, Mamukelashvili will be starting center Jakob Poeltl‘s primary backup. However, as Rajakovic cited Mamukelashvili’s positional versatility and floor-spacing ability, making his presence felt around the rim won’t be the only way he’s utilized.

Scottie Barnes’s National Team Ambition

As the face of the franchise, Scottie Barnes‘s responsibilities have not changed. Though there’s now a question if he’s still their most well-rounded player, he’s still their most important perimeter defender and will always be a connective piece offensively. With that being said, the most interesting comment that Barnes made during Media Day really weren’t about the team whose jersey he wore at the podium.

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This summer, several starting-level NBA players expressed interest in playing for the Jamaican national team. Miami Heat wing Norman Powell, a borderline All-Star last season, was the first. He could soon be joined by some or all of the following: twin brothers Amen Thompson and Ausar Thompson; twin brothers Justin Champagnie and Julian Champagnie; Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards; and Boston Celtics forward Josh Minott. If Barnes is added to that group, they could certainly earn global acclaim.

Brandon Ingram’s Role

The long-awaited splash trade that the Raptors were positioning themselves to make turned out to be for Brandon Ingram, the 2020 Most Improved Player and a one-time All-Star. With that being said, Ingram doesn’t have the accomplishments of their last blockbuster acquisition, battle-ready Kawhi Leonard. However, he’s been a high usage player for the past eight seasons, averaging 21.4 points and 4.7 assists per game.

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Cognizant of the fact Ingram is entering his theoretical prime, Rajakovic expects the 28-year-old “to take his game to the next level.” This includes him becoming more useful off-ball despite his scoring and playmaking ability. Nevertheless, he just wants Ingram “feel comfortable in his own skill,” excelling in the areas that have him at near-elite status already.

Brandon Ingram’s Interpretation Of RJ Barrett

Ingram’s Media Day comments about the Raptors were varied. He discussed Toronto’s passionate support of the franchise, comparing it to the New Orleans Pelicans fair weather fans. He mentioned the defense he expects to play under Rajakovic given his emphasis of that end. The former second overall pick also talked about his new teammates, namely former third overall pick RJ Barrett.

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There’s an irony in Ingram believing Barrett was “just a gunner,” as many would say the same about him without a closer inspection of his game. Indeed, both of the Duke products know how to read a defense and are willing to make a pass. However, their confidence can lead to ill-advised shot attempts.

Starting 5 Already Known

Though Rajakovic didn’t reveal his projected starting five, they can be figured out without too much mental strain. Barnes, Ingram and Poeltl will undoubtedly be starters. As much as Rajakovic likes Jamal Shead, he’s unlikely to have usurped Immanuel Quickley. Barrett has the most competition at his primary position, namely Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji and Ja’Kobe Walter. Even so, he’s started all but one game in his career and will probably remain a starter.

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All of that being said, the first unit has been getting their chemistry down pat this month. It’s impossible for them to replicate real game action in pick-up games or scrimmages. Nevertheless, it’s important for them to accelerate that process with several of them dealing with injuries last season.

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