"In the last eight-game sample, Walter is averaging 24.5 minutes per game (fifth-most on the team during that span), showcasing consistent and well-rounded contributions in his role. He has posted averages of 9.0 points on 44.6% shooting from the field, an impressive 46.9% from three on an average of 4.0 attempts per game, along with 4.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 steals."
"The Raptors need someone reliable on both ends of the floor, and they have found just that in Walter, who has surpassed Dick in the pecking order - and for good reason."
"While Walter deserves praise for his improved play, there are still areas where the 21-year-old can develop, such as adding more strength to his frame and maintaining greater consistency on defense. Otherwise, the Raptors have a promising option who can shoot the three-ball and play hard-nosed, point-of-attack defense."
Ja'Kobe Walter, a sophomore swingman, has surpassed third-year player Gradey Dick in the Raptors' rotation during a critical late-season stretch. Throughout the 2025-26 season, Coach Darko Rajakovic distributed minutes evenly between the two young wings, but questions persisted about who would ultimately secure a larger role heading into the playoffs. Over the last eight games, Walter has averaged 24.5 minutes per game with 9.0 points on 44.6% shooting, 46.9% from three-point range, 4.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.3 steals. His reliable two-way play, combining three-point shooting with point-of-attack defense, has established him as the preferred option, while Dick has fallen out of the rotation entirely.
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