Toronto Raptors guard Ja’Kobe Walter will miss his first NBA training camp with a right shoulder injury, the team announced Friday. The 6-foot-4 Walter was selected 19th overall by Toronto in the first round of the NBA draft this past June.
Walter, 20, was injured while exercising this week. The Raptors said they will review Walter’s status following next week’s training camp in Montreal.
In July, Walter signed a four-year, $16.78 million contract with the team. Per Spotrac, his deal includes club options for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons. He is scheduled to earn $3.46 million in 2024-25.
Ja’Kobe Walter sprained his acromioclavicular joint (MC joint) during an informal workout this week.
He will not participate in court activities when training camp begins next week.
An update will be provided later next week.
-Blake Murphy (@BlakeMurphyODC) September 27, 2024
In 35 games (all starts) with Baylor in his one season with the Bears, he averaged 14.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.1 steals, and 32.3 minutes per contest while shooting 37.6% from the field, 34.1% from 3 – point. wide, and 79.2% at the free throw line.
Walter was also named Big 12 Freshman of the Year and a third-team All-Big 12 selection. At the end of the season in his conference, he finished eighth in points (508), seventh in 3-pointers (75), third in free throws ( 145), and fifth in offensive win shares (3.0).
Toronto Raptors guard Ja’Kobe Walter is looking forward to playing with Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett.
In Baylor’s season-opening 88-82 win over Auburn on Nov. 7, 2023, Walter recorded a career-high 28 points on 7-of-13 (53.8%) shooting from the floor, 3-of-6 (50%). from beyond the arc, and all 10 made free throws.
The native of McKinney, Texas, said after the draft that he plans to do his best with the Raptors. He mentioned three young players: Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett.
“I’m just trying to make an immediate impact in any way I can,” Walter said in a video conference call from an auto repair shop in New York City. “Whatever they need me to do when they come in, I will do it for them. … [I] just really [want to] try to bring that winning strength.
“I’ve watched them all play in college and in the NBA. … Scottie is a guy with a great personality; he knows what he brings to the team: all the energy. RJ, like him, can shoot the ball very well, and Quickley is a point guard. I think I will fit in well with them, and I am very happy.”
According to Sportsnet, Walter’s first name Ja’Kobe – pronounced juh-KOH’-bee – is a combination of the names of all-time greats Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
“My family and I discussed this matter for a long time. I prayed many times during this time, right here,” added Walter. “So now that it’s finally here, it’s just a dream come true, and I’m so grateful.”
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