JA'KOBE WALTER NEWS

Brunson scores 35 points as Knicks rout Raptors 117-101 to reach NBA Cup semifinals for first time

Jalen Brunson scored 35 points, Josh Hart added 21 and the New York Knicks advanced to the NBA Cup semifinals for the first time in three tries by beating the struggling Toronto Ra...

3 DAYS AGO • Associated Press

Coming off bench vs. New York Walter is not in the Raptors' starting lineup against the Knicks on Tuesday, Esfandiar Baraheni of The Athletic reports.

Impact Walter will cede his spot in the starting lineup to Ochai Agbaji for Tuesday's NBA Cup quarterfinal. Walter has started in seven of the Raptors' last eight games due to the absence of RJ Barrett (knee), and over that span, the former has averaged 6.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.3 threes and 1.1 steals over 23.0 minutes per game.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Drops 17 points in loss Walter had 17 points (6-10 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 2-3 FT), three rebounds, two assists and one steal in 25 minutes during Thursday's 123-120 loss to the Lakers.

Impact Walter made his fifth start of the campaign Thursday, and that's a role he's struggled with previously -- he's produced averages of 7.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists in that sample size. While Thursday's line was encouraging, Walter's fantasy production has been a bit too volatile at times, so managers would like to see more consistency.

DECEMBER 5 • ROTOWIRE

Offers little in start Walter logged five points (1-3 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and seven rebounds across 27 minutes during Saturday's 118-111 overtime loss to the Hornets.

Impact Walter moved into the starting lineup for just the second time this season, replacing Collin Murray-Boyles, who shifted back to the bench. Despite the promotion, Walter failed to make the most of his opportunity, scoring no more than five points for the third time in the past five games. He has been alternating good and bad games over his past six appearances, a trend he will look to continue when the Raptors face the Knicks on Sunday.

NOVEMBER 30 • ROTOWIRE

Starting Saturday Walter will start Saturday's game against the Hornets.

Impact After Collin Murray-Boyles got the starting nod in Wednesday's win over Indiana with RJ Barrett (knee) sidelined, Walter will return to the starting five Saturday. Over his last five appearances (one start), the second-year guard has averaged 9.6 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.2 steals in 22.4 minutes per contest.

NOVEMBER 29 • ROTOWIRE

Moved back to bench Walter won't start Wednesday's game against the Pacers.

Impact Walter made a spot start Monday in place of RJ Barrett (knee). While Barrett remains out Wednesday, the Raptors are turning to Collin Murray-Boyles in the first unit. Walter logged five points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals during the start.

NOVEMBER 27 • ROTOWIRE

Does little in spot start Walter logged five points (2-8 FG, 1-5 3Pt), three rebounds, one assist and two steals over 24 minutes during the Raptors' 110-99 win over the Cavaliers on Monday.

Impact Walter made his first start of the season Monday due to the absence of RJ Barrett (knee). Walter didn't make much of an impact during Monday's win, though he did tie Jakob Poeltl with a team-high two steals. Walter could start against the Pacers on Wednesday if Barrett is not cleared to return.

NOVEMBER 25 • ROTOWIRE

Starting role Monday Walter is in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Cavaliers.

Impact Walter will make his first start of the season with RJ Barrett (knee) sidelined. The second-year guard is coming off a season-high 16-point outing in Sunday's win over the Nets and is averaging 10.0 points, 2.3 steals, 1.7 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 18.7 minutes across the Raptors' past three games.

NOVEMBER 24 • ROTOWIRE

Provides spark off bench in win Walter logged 16 points (6-7 FG, 4-5 FT), one rebound and one steal over 19 minutes during the Raptors' 119-109 win over the Nets on Sunday.

Impact Walter led the Raptors with four three-pointers, and his 16 points were tied with RJ Barrett (knee) for second most on the team behind Scottie Barnes (17), in what was a balanced scoring effort from Toronto. Walter has seen more playing time as of late, having logged 15 minutes or more in four of his last five outings. The second-year pro could be in line for a larger role, as Barrett is getting imaging Monday to determine the severity of his right knee sprain that he suffered during the third quarter of Sunday's game, per Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca.

NOVEMBER 24 • ROTOWIRE

Raptors beat Nets 119-109 for 7th straight win, 11th in 12 games

Scottie Barnes scored 17 points, Ja’Kobe Walter added a season-high 16 and the Toronto Raptors won for the 11th time in 12 games, beating the Brooklyn Nets 119-109 on Sunday night

NOVEMBER 24 • Associated Press

Limited role continues Walter ended Saturday's 129-111 win over the Pacers with three points (1-2 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT) and three steals across 15 minutes.

Impact Walter continues to play limited minutes off the bench and has yet to exceed 16 minutes in any game thus far. As long as the Raptors are healthy, it appears as though Walter will be utilized sparingly on most nights, limiting his fantasy value to only the deepest leagues. Through 10 games, he is averaging just 3.2 points in 11.9 minutes.

NOVEMBER 16 • ROTOWIRE

Fares well in limited run Walter registered eight points (2-3 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 3-3 FT) and three rebounds over 11 minutes during Tuesday's 128-100 win over the Bucks.

Impact This game was a blowout for Toronto, allowing the team to rely on their bench down the stretch. This was Walter's fifth appearance of the season, and it's clear that he's not going to see much playing time while the Raptors are close to full strength.

NOVEMBER 5 • ROTOWIRE

Makes 2025-26 debut Walter (illness) tallied three points (1-2 FG, 1-2 3Pt), one rebound, one assist and one block across 10 minutes Monday in the Raptors' 121-103 loss to the Spurs.

Impact Walter was sidelined for the Raptors' season-opening win over the Hawks last Wednesday due to the illness, but he had been available for both of Toronto's subsequent two contests. He went unused in both of those games in coach's decisions, but Walter was able to crack the rotation Monday while Gradey Dick (eight minutes) had his playing time scaled back. Walter was a minus-10 during his abbreviated time on the court, so it's unclear if head coach Darko Rajakovic will have much motivation to make him a regular part of the second unit moving forward.

OCTOBER 28 • ROTOWIRE

Available vs. Bucks Walter (illness) is available for Friday's game against the Bucks, Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reports.

Impact Walter is ready to make his season debut Friday. The swingman will be an option for head coach Darko Rajakovic toward the end of his bench, but Walter's presence may not have a big impact on the minutes of Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji.

OCTOBER 24 • ROTOWIRE

Upgraded to probable Walter has been upgraded to probable for Friday's game against the Bucks with an illness.

Impact Walter is likely to be available for his season debut Friday. The swingman will be an option near the end of the Toronto bench, but his presence may not adversely affect the playing time of Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji very much.

OCTOBER 24 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for Friday Walter (illness) is questionable to play in Friday's game against the Bucks.

Impact After missing the season opener against the Hawks due to an illness, Walter has a chance to make his debut. Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji will likely receive a boost in minutes if Walter is unable to play.

OCTOBER 23 • ROTOWIRE

Sitting out with illness Walter won't play in Wednesday's season opener against Atlanta due to an illness, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Impact The ailment should render Walter day-to-day prior to Friday's matchup against the Bucks. More playing time from the second unit will be available for Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji on Wednesday.

OCTOBER 21 • ROTOWIRE

Scores 10 points in spot start Walter had 10 points (3-10 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 3-3 FT), four rebounds, two assists and two steals in 22 minutes during Sunday's preseason victory over Washington.

Impact Coming off a poor performance Friday, Walter was inserted into the starting lineup, with Brandon Ingram given the night off. In what was a much-improved effort, Walter pushed his claim for a regular rotation spot, something that is far from a guarantee. Despite a strong end to the 2024-25 season, Walter will have to claw his way to playing time, assuming the Toronto roster can remain healthy.

OCTOBER 13 • ROTOWIRE

Gets starting nod Walter will enter the starting lineup for Sunday's preseason game against the Wizards, according to Raptors reporter Vivek Jacob.

Impact Walter is coming off a dud, as he contributed one point (0-8 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), five assists, two rebounds and one turnover across 22 minutes of Friday's 107-105 preseason win over the Celtics. Walter, who is not guaranteed a rotation spot, is getting a huge opportunity Sunday with Brandon Ingram (rest) getting another night off.

OCTOBER 12 • ROTOWIRE

Posts dud in win Walter contributed one point (0-8 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), five assists, two rebounds and one turnover across 22 minutes of Friday's 107-105 preseason win over the Celtics.

Impact The Raptors sat out their entire starting lineup Friday, so Walter will be disappointed to not have a larger impact on this game. Toronto's rotation is noticeably deeper this season, particularly on the wings, and Walter's spot is not guaranteed.

OCTOBER 11 • ROTOWIRE

Provides 15 points from bench Walter posted 15 points (4-7 FG, 5-5 FT, 2-3 3Pt), three rebounds, three assists, a steal and a blocked shot over 22 minutes in Wednesday's 130-122 win over the Kings.

Impact Walter's participation as a rookie was aided by numerous injuries on Toronto's roster, but the team enters the season with a fairly clean bill of health Brandon Ingram's addition doesn't help Walter's cause either, and for now it appears that the Baylor product will compete for minutes in the second unit alongside Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji and Jamison Battle.

OCTOBER 9 • ROTOWIRE

Chips in 19 points in SL loss Walter posted 19 points (5-12 FG, 3-10 3Pt, 6-6 FT), three rebounds, three steals and one assist across 27 minutes in Saturday's 98-88 Summer League loss to the Kings.

Impact The 20-year-old tied the game-high marks in steals and three-pointers while finishing as Toronto's second-leading scorer. The No. 19 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Walter will look to build on his rookie campaign next season, during which he averaged 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists across 21.2 minutes per game in 52 regular-season outings.

JULY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Leads all scorers in SL win Walter tallied 26 points (8-16 FG, 4-11 3Pt, 6-7 FT), seven steals, four rebounds and one block over 29 minutes in Tuesday's 101-97 Summer League win over the Nuggets.

Impact Walter was a difference-maker Tuesday, leading the offense with 26 points and four three-pointers while racking up an eye-popping seven steals. He finished the 2024-25 regular season on a high note, averaging 13.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 steals in 28.7 minutes per game over his final seven outings, all starts.

JULY 16 • ROTOWIRE

Drops 16 in SL win Walter tallied 16 points (6-15 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-5 FT), four rebounds, two steals and one block across 21 minutes during Sunday's Summer League 89-86 win against the Magic.

Impact Walter got the job done on both ends of the floor Sunday, as he led all of Toronto's starters with 16 points. The Baylor product is coming off his first year in the NBA, where he played in 52 regular-season games for the Raptors, averaging 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists across 21.2 minutes per game.

JULY 14 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play in finale Walter (hip) is out for Sunday's game against the Spurs, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Impact Walter will miss the final game of the season due to right hip soreness, the same injury that sidelined him for the previous two contests. The rookie out of Baylor finishes his rookie year with averages of 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 0.8 steals per game in 52 appearances (18 starts) while averaging 21.2 minutes per contest.

APRIL 12 • ROTOWIRE