{"id":160860,"date":"2025-09-29T19:33:24","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T23:33:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=160860"},"modified":"2025-09-29T19:33:24","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T23:33:24","slug":"toronto-raptors-highlights-media-day-2025-26","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/09\/29\/toronto-raptors-highlights-media-day-2025-26\/","title":{"rendered":"Highlights From Raptors Media Day"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Toronto Raptors have wrapped up their Media Day ahead of the 2025-26 regular season.<\/p>\n<p>Here are the highlights from an entertaining afternoon in the North.<\/p>\n<h2>Highlights From Raptors Media Day<\/h2>\n<h3>Sandro Mamukeshavili&#8217;s Role<\/h3>\n<p>Among the offseason&#8217;s under-the-radar signings was the Raptors addition of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/mamuksa01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sandro Mamukelashvili<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Darko mentions that one thing that will really help the team this year is having Sandro Mamukelashvili, who will be the team\u2019s backup 5.<\/p>\n<p>Darko says Sandro is a player that can stretch the floor, which will help the team utilize different schemes. <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/CKc3XtFHPa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/CKc3XtFHPa<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/OmerOsman200\/status\/1972661286715453514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 29, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Next season, Mamukelashvili will be starting center <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/poeltja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jakob Poeltl<\/a>&#8216;s primary backup. However, as Rajakovic cited Mamukelashvili&#8217;s positional versatility and floor-spacing ability, making his presence felt around the rim won&#8217;t be the only way he&#8217;s utilized.<\/p>\n<h3>Scottie Barnes&#8217;s National Team Ambition<\/h3>\n<p>As the face of the franchise, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/barnesc01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Scottie Barnes<\/a>&#8216;s responsibilities have not changed. Though there&#8217;s now a question if he&#8217;s still their most well-rounded player, he&#8217;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&#8217;t about the team whose jersey he wore at the podium.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Asked Scottie Barnes about rumours of him potentially playing for the Jamaican national team.<\/p>\n<p>He confirmed he has interest.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s definitely something I\u2019ve been thinking about doing.\u201d <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/47AonKMMVb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/47AonKMMVb<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Libaan Osman (@libaanstar1) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/libaanstar1\/status\/1972668547206725949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 29, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>This summer, several starting-level NBA players expressed interest in playing for the Jamaican national team. Miami Heat wing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/powelno01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Norman Powell<\/a>, a borderline All-Star last season, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fiba.basketball\/en\/events\/fiba-basketball-world-cup-2027-americas-pre-qualifiers\/news\/norman-powell-is-ready-to-take-jamaica-to-the-next-level\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">was the first<\/a>. He could soon be joined by <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/05\/25\/amen-thompson-ausar-thompson-fiba-basketball-olympics\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">some or all of the following<\/a>: twin brothers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/thompam01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Amen Thompson<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/thompau01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ausar Thompson<\/a>; twin brothers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/champju01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Justin Champagnie<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/champju02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Julian Champagnie<\/a>; Phoenix Suns center <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/richani01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nick Richards<\/a>; and Boston Celtics forward <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/minotjo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Josh Minott<\/a>. If Barnes is added to that group, they could certainly earn global acclaim.<\/p>\n<h3>Brandon Ingram&#8217;s Role<\/h3>\n<p>The long-awaited splash trade that the Raptors were positioning themselves to make turned out to be for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/i\/ingrabr01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brandon Ingram<\/a>, the 2020 Most Improved Player and a one-time All-Star. With that being said, Ingram doesn&#8217;t have the accomplishments of their last blockbuster acquisition, battle-ready <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/leonaka01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kawhi Leonard<\/a>. However, he&#8217;s been a high usage player for the past eight seasons, averaging 21.4 points and 4.7 assists per game.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Darko: &#8220;I want Brandon to be himself, feel comfortable in his own skill. I expect him to take his game to the next level.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Says game is changing &#8211; more running, more cutting &#8211; &amp; BI needs to continue to adapt. Calls him an underrated play maker. &#8220;He&#8217;s going to fit in really well&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/JLew1050\/status\/1972658001535214056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 29, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Cognizant of the fact Ingram is entering his theoretical prime, Rajakovic expects the 28-year-old &#8220;to take his game to the next level.&#8221; This includes him becoming more useful off-ball despite his scoring and playmaking ability. Nevertheless, he just wants Ingram &#8220;feel comfortable in his own skill,&#8221; excelling in the areas that have him at near-elite status already.<\/p>\n<h3>Brandon Ingram&#8217;s Interpretation Of RJ Barrett<\/h3>\n<p>Ingram&#8217;s Media Day comments about the Raptors were varied. He discussed Toronto&#8217;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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/barrerj01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">RJ Barrett<\/a>.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Brandon Ingram \ud83e\udd1d RJ Barrett:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;One thing that surprised me is RJ &#8230; I thought he was just a gunner \ud83d\ude05 &#8230; he&#8217;s steady, he doesn&#8217;t complain about not having the basketball, it just finds him.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>(via <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ScottCampsall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@ScottCampsall<\/a>) <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/nyhijqUJBN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/nyhijqUJBN<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 theScore (@theScore) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/theScore\/status\/1972692300707852511?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 29, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s an irony in Ingram believing Barrett was &#8220;just a gunner,&#8221; as many would say the same about him without <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/02\/15\/can-brandon-ingram-return-all-star-form-raptors\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">a closer inspection of his game<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n<h3>Starting 5 Already Known<\/h3>\n<p>Though Rajakovic didn&#8217;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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/sheadja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jamal Shead<\/a>, he&#8217;s unlikely to have usurped <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/q\/quickim01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Immanuel Quickley<\/a>. Barrett has the most competition at his primary position, namely <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/dickgr01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gradey Dick<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/a\/agbajoc01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ochai Agbaji<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/walteja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ja&#8217;Kobe Walter<\/a>. Even so, he&#8217;s started all but one game in his career and will probably remain a starter.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Darko Rajakovic says the projected starting five has been playing together as much as possible this entire month of September<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Vivek Jacob (@vivekmjacob) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/vivekmjacob\/status\/1972656551916601356?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 29, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>All of that being said, the first unit has been getting their chemistry down pat this month. It&#8217;s impossible for them to replicate real game action in pick-up games or scrimmages. Nevertheless, it&#8217;s important for them to accelerate that process with several of them dealing with injuries last season.<\/p>\n<div class=\"modal-image-setImageMetadata\">\n<p class=\"ng-binding\">\u00a9 John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&#8217;s Role Among the offseason&#8217;s under-the-radar signings was the Raptors addition of Sandro Mamukelashvili, who had spent the past seasons with the San [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5008,"featured_media":160934,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[14,1608,62,3],"tags":[308,3178,968,49680,716,1964,4364,3852],"class_list":["post-160860","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-raptors","category-basketball","category-nba","category-news","tag-brandon-ingram","tag-immanuel-quickley","tag-jakob-poeltl","tag-nba-media-day","tag-norman-powell","tag-rj-barrett","tag-sandro-mamukelashvili","tag-scottie-barnes"],"modified_by":"Quenton S Albertie","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/160860","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5008"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=160860"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/160860\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":160936,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/160860\/revisions\/160936"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/160934"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=160860"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=160860"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=160860"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}