An NBA reporter is not a fan of what the Toronto Raptors are trying to do with their tank. The main gripe being with Brandon Ingram’s availability.
Toronto traded for Ingram at the February trade deadline, who they would later give a contract extension signifying their belief in him.
But, the 27-year-old has yet to suit up for Toronto up to this point. He has been sidelined since December with an ankle sprain and the Raptors are not in a winning mentality.
It was a severe sprain for Ingram, but one could say not serious enough to keep him out this long. Which prompted ESPN’s Brian Windhorst critiquing Toronto’s injury management of Ingram:
“Brandon Ingram has the worst sprained ankle in the history of sprained ankles. He hasn’t played in months.”
At this point of the season, teams that are not in the mix for the Play-In Tournament are usually shutting players down. One can make the argument whether it is ethical or not, but that is the reality of the NBA today.
The Raptors are not nearly as bad as the worst teams in the league. Toronto is not on pace to lose enough games to position themselves in the upper echelon of the draft lottery odds.
Ironically, they find themselves on a three-game winning streak, beating the Washington Wizards, Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz. Those wins coming with one of either Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley or RJ Barrett playing.
One could understand holding out Ingram due to his lengthy injury history because the Raptors are not trying to win. Next season is what truly matters and Toronto will be trying to win with their latest acquisition in the lineup fully healthy.
Tank watch: Raptors have easiest remaining schedule
With the Play-In Tournament still out of reach, the Raptors have been expected to tank. That way they can strengthen their odds to secure a high draft pick.
However, Toronto has the easiest remaining schedule in the league. Which could make tanking harder than expected as the regular season winds down.
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