Ja'Kobe Walter News, Rumors, Updates - Toronto Raptors

Scores 13 points in spot start Walter chipped in 13 points (5-7 FG, 3-4 3Pt), one rebound and two steals across 29 minutes during Tuesday's 121-115 loss to New York.

Impact Walter moved into the starting lineup, replacing RJ Barrett who was ruled out due to a concussion. He has now scored double-digits in three straight games, continuing to push his claim for increased playing time. While there is no guarantee Walter will continue to start, as long as Barrett remains sidelined, additional minutes should certainly be on the menu.

FEBRUARY 5, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Starting sans Barrett Walter will start in Tuesday's game against the Knicks, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Impact The rookie will get the starting nod with RJ Barrett (concussion) on the shelf. Walter hasn't entered the starting five since Dec. 31, and over his last 10 outings, he has averaged 7.0 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 16.8 minutes per game off the bench.

FEBRUARY 5, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Makes impact off bench Walter totaled 14 points (3-7 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 7-8 FT), four rebounds, two assists and one steal over 18 minutes during Friday's 122-106 loss to the Bulls.

Impact The rookie has played double-digit minutes in back-to-back games for the first time since Jan. 8 and 9. His 14 points were the first time he scored in double figures since New Year's Day. Walter's role and performances have been inconsistent, but with the trade deadline approaching, the 15-33 Raptors could move some veterans and open up time down the stretch for young players. The Baylor product has struggled with his efficiency -- 38.7 percent from the field, 28.6 percent from three and 69.6 percent from the free-throw line -- but he's shown flashes as more than just a shooter. For his 6-foot-4 frame, he's a good offensive rebounder (1.4 offensive rebounds per 36 minutes) and gets to the free-throw line at a relatively high rate given his overall shot profile (3.1 free-throw attempts per 36 minutes).

FEBRUARY 1, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Back with parent club The Raptors recalled Walter from the G League's Raptors 905 on Tuesday, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Impact Toronto assigned Walter to the G League earlier Tuesday, but he joined the 905 merely for practice and won't suit up for the affiliate in its next game Wednesday versus the Birmingham Squadron. He'll instead rejoin the Raptors for their trip to Washington on Wednesday, but barring any new additions to the Toronto injury report, Walter will likely find himself outside of the rotation for the second game in a row.

JANUARY 28, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Scores eight points in limited run Walter ended Monday's 128-104 loss to Milwaukee with eight points (3-5 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 0-1 FT), two rebounds and one assist over 11 minutes.

Impact Walter led the Raptors' bench in scoring during his limited run Monday. The rookie received increased playing time during the early part of the season with Immanuel Quickley and Bruce Brown sidelined, though Walter has yet to surpass the 20-minute mark since Quickley's return last Wednesday. Walter will likely continue to receive reduced playing time off the bench, but he could be in store for an increased role if any injuries arise in the backcourt.

JANUARY 7, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Good to go against Brooklyn Walter (finger) is available for Wednesday night's game against the Nets, Eric Koreen of The Athletic reports.

Impact Walter popped up on Wednesday's injury report due to a left finger sprain, but the rookie first-rounder will play through the issue Wednesday. Walter has averaged 10.6 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists over 23.1 minutes per game over his last 10 outings.

JANUARY 1, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with sprained finger Walter is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Nets with a finger sprain on his left hand, Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reports.

Impact Walter joins Immanuel Quickley (elbow), Gradey Dick (hamstring) and RJ Barrett (illness) as one of four Raptors listed questionable for the second half of a back-to-back set. The rookie played 22 minutes and finished with three points (1-10 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), two rebounds, two assists and one block in Tuesday's 125-71 loss to the Celtics, but if Walter is available Wednesday, he could be in line for a reduction in playing time in the event two or three of Quickley, Dick and Barrett also get the green light to play.

JANUARY 1, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Moves into starting five Walter will start Tuesday's game against Boston.

Impact The 19th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Walter will make his seventh start of the campaign with RJ Barrett (illness) and Gradey Dick (hamstring) both sidelined. As a starter this season, Walter holds averages of 11.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists.

DECEMBER 31, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Available Sunday Walter (illness) is available for Sunday's game against Atlanta, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Impact Walter will suit up after missing Thursday's loss to Memphis due to the illness. Over his last five appearances, the rookie has averaged 13.0 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists across 25.4 minutes per contest.

DECEMBER 29, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Draws questionable tag Walter (illness) is listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Hawks, Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reports.

Impact Walter is in danger of missing his second straight game due to an illness. His final status for Sunday will likely be determined by how he is feeling closer to game time. Davion Mitchell, Bruce Brown and Ochai Agbaji would be candidates to absorb Walter's reserve minutes on the wing if he cannot go.

DECEMBER 28, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Won't give it a go Thursday Walter (illness) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Memphis, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Impact Walter will be held out of his first matchup since Nov. 25 due to the illness. With the rookie sidelined, Jonathan Mogbo and Jamison Battle could see an uptick in playing time.

DECEMBER 26, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Iffy for Thursday Walter is listed as questionable for Thursday's game versus the Grizzlies due to an illness, Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reports.

Impact Walter is in danger of missing his first game since Nov. 25 on Thursday due to an illness. If the rookie guard is unable to suit up against Memphis, Davion Mitchell and Jamison Battle are candidates to receive increased playing time.

DECEMBER 26, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Retreats to bench Monday Walter will come off the bench in Monday's game against the Knicks.

Impact With RJ Barrett slotting back into the starting five, Walter will retreat to the bench following two consecutive starts. The rookie was stellar in Sunday's loss to the Rockets, during which he posted a career-high 27 points (9-18 FG, 6-11 3Pt, 3-4 FT), three assists and two rebounds across 28 minutes. Over his last five outings (two starts), Walter has averaged 13.6 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 24.8 minutes per contest.

DECEMBER 24, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Pops for career-high 27 Walter fouled out of Sunday's 114-110 loss to the Rockets after recording a career-high 27 points (9-18 FG, 6-11 3Pt, 3-4 FT), two rebounds and three assists over 28 minutes.

Impact The rookie might have pushed for 30 if he hadn't left the court for good with 2:40 left in the fourth quarter. Walter had never even reached 20 before Sunday, and the six made threes doubled his prior career high, so it would be easy to dismiss the performance as a fluke. The 19th overall pick in the 2024 Draft has been finding a groove with his shot, however. Over the last five games (two starts), Walter is shooting 44.4 percent (12-for-27) from the beyond the arc while averaging 13.6 points, 2.4 boards, 2.4 threes, 2.0 assists and 0.6 steals in 24.8 minutes a contest.

DECEMBER 23, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Starting Thursday vs. Nets Walter will start in Thursday's matchup against the Nets, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Impact The rookie will replace Jakob Poeltl (groin) in the starting five on Thursday, marking his fifth start through 13 regular-season appearances this year. Walter has provided a spark for the Raptors this season, and in his last five outings, he has averaged 9.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 40.9 percent from the field across 23.2 minutes per contest.

DECEMBER 20, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Solid outing in close loss Monday Walter closed Monday's 122-121 loss to Chicago with six points (3-6 FG, 0-1 3Pt), three rebounds, two assists and two steals across 24 minutes.

Impact The rookie was efficient while tying Kelly Olynyk for the team-high mark in steals. Walter has provided a spark for the Raptors thus far, and in his last five outings since moving back to the bench, he has averaged 9.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 40.9 percent from the field across 23.2 minutes per contest. The 20-year-old should continue to receive fairly significant playing time, especially with Immanuel Quickley (elbow) and Scottie Barnes (ankle) sidelined for an extended period.

DECEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Scores career-high 19 points Walter accumulated 19 points (6-12 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 4-5 FT), one rebound and two assists over 22 minutes during Monday's 113-108 loss to New York.

Impact Walter stepped his game up Monday and showed he might be ready to handle a more consistent role on offense, especially considering the absences of Immanuel Quickley (elbow) and Scottie Barnes (ankle). The 19-point output was a career-high mark for the former Baylor standout, who could jump into the starting lineup in the near future given the Raptors' lack of depth in the backcourt.

DECEMBER 10, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Won't start Thursday Walter will come off the bench in Thursday's game against the Thunder, Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reports.

Impact Walter will come off the bench after appearing in the Raptors' G League affiliate's 134-92 win over the Greensboro Swarm on Thursday, during which he chipped in seven points (3-4 FG, 1-1 3Pt), four assists and two rebounds across 13 minutes. Following a six-game absence due to an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder, the rookie has started in the club's last four outings, during which he averaged 8.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.0 steals across 22.0 minutes per contest.

DECEMBER 6, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Double-double in Wednesday's start Walter produced 14 points (6-14 FG, 2-10 3Pt, 0-1 FT), 11 rebounds, five assists and two steals in 28 minutes during Wednesday's 119-93 win over New Orleans.

Impact The 19th overall pick in the 2024 Draft returned from the G League and made a splash, recording his first career double-double against a Pelicans roster missing most of its key frontcourt players. The performance was definitely an encouraging one for Walter, and the 5-14 Raptors should have no problem finding minutes for him if the Baylor product is ready for a regular role.

NOVEMBER 28, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Starting vs. Pelicans Walter is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Pelicans, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Impact The Raptors are tweaking their starting unit for this contest against the Pelicans to shake things up. It's unclear what kind of impact Walter might have, though, as he struggled in his first taste of action at the NBA level. The rookie out of Baylor hasn't played in the NBA since Nov. 6, as he spent the past few weeks with the Raptors 905 of the G League.

NOVEMBER 28, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Rejoins parent club Toronto recalled Walter from the G League's Raptors 905 on Monday, Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Impact After a recent six-game absence due to an AC joint sprain in his shoulder, Walter proved his health during a two-game stint in the G League over the weekend. In his two appearances for the 905 on Friday and Sunday, Walter logged 44 total minutes and tallied 33 points (14-27 FG, 4-12 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 11 rebounds, three assists and three steals. Now that he's back with Toronto, Walter could factor into the rotation for Monday's game in Detroit with Gradey Dick (calf) sidelined for the contest.

NOVEMBER 25, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Available vs. Minnesota Walter (shoulder) is available for Thursday's game against Minnesota, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Impact The rookie first-round pick has missed the Raptors' last six games with an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder, but he should see minutes off the bench in this one as a depth piece in the backcourt. Walter is averaging just 2.5 points and 2.8 rebounds in his four appearances off the bench this season.

NOVEMBER 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Practices in G League Walter practiced with the Raptors 905 of the G League on Thursday, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Impact Walter was briefly assigned to the G League on Thursday, but this was just in order to practice. The rookie guard is deemed questionable for Thursday's game versus the Timberwolves due to a right shoulder injury.

NOVEMBER 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for Thursday Walter (shoulder) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Timberwolves.

Impact Walter was able to practice in full Wednesday and is on the verge of a return. Scottie Barnes (eye) is also questionable, while Immanuel Quickley (elbow) remains out. If Walter does crack the rotation, he's likely to have a minimal role initially.

NOVEMBER 20, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Goes through practice Walter (shoulder) was able to participate in Wednesday's practice, Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Impact Walter has been upgraded from out indefinitely to day-to-day, but he'll need to get his conditioning up. From what it sounds like, a potential return Sunday against the Cavaliers could be on the table. With Scottie Barnes (eye) on the mend, consistent minutes won't be easy to come by for Walter, however.

NOVEMBER 20, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

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