Raptors guard Ja’Kobe Walter has missed the past two games due to what the team first listed as a right quad strain before updating the diagnosis to a right hip flexor injury.
As Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca relays (via Twitter), the latest formal update from the Raptors indicates that Walter is currently limited to stand-still shooting and will be reevaluated in a couple days. However, Grange has heard that the rookie has a Grade 2 strain in his quad/hip area, which could sideline him for the next month.
Given that the regular season wraps up on April 13, it’s possible Walter won’t return in 2024/25 if that timeline turns out to be accurate, Grange adds.
The 19th overall pick in the 2024 draft, Walter missed most of his first month due to AC joint (shoulder) issues, but has been relatively healthy since returning on November 27. In 44 total appearances (11 starts), the former Baylor standout has averaged 7.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 20.0 minutes per night, with a shooting line of .405/.312/.746.
The 20-year-old has a guaranteed $3.64MM salary for next season and the Raptors will have to decide by October 31, 2025 whether or not to exercise his $3.81MM team option for 2026/27.
While Walter hasn’t had an especially memorable rookie year, he has flashed some promise for the rebuilding Raptors in recent weeks, including scoring 17 and 14 points in his two most recent healthy games last Tuesday and Friday, so it looks like a safe bet that his ’26/27 option will be picked up.
Yikes
If you want to call what Raptors are having a “season”…
Still alive for that top 2 pick. Only a weak minded haters are afraid for them to get Harper Jr.