Commenting on the trade of former Duke Blue Devil Brandon Ingram to the Raptors, Skip Bayless
In the world of professional sports, trades can often feel like the moment that could either propel a franchise to championship contention or signal a full-scale rebuild. When the Toronto Raptors made the move to acquire former Duke Blue Devil Brandon Ingram, the NBA community and analysts were quick to take note. Among those offering an unfiltered, often controversial, take was none other than Skip Bayless. The outspoken sports commentator, known for his hard-hitting opinions, wasn’t going to hold back. In his critique of the trade, Bayless did not shy away from discussing what the trade meant for both the Raptors and Ingram himself.
Brandon Ingram, a skilled and versatile forward, had been with the New Orleans Pelicans for the past few years after being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers and was now being sent to Toronto in a deal that could reshape both teams’ futures. Bayless, a veteran sports pundit known for his unapologetic analysis, has always been a fan of examining both the strategic elements of a trade and the emotional undertones that come with it. In this piece, we’ll break down Skip Bayless’ comments on the trade, his take on how it affects both Ingram and the Raptors, and why he believes this move could either make or break the Raptors’ quest for an NBA title.
The Trade: A Look at the Deal
The trade involving Brandon Ingram wasn’t one that caught fans completely off guard. For years, there had been rumors swirling about Ingram’s potential to move, and while he had shown glimpses of greatness with the Pelicans, his role in the team’s long-term future remained unclear. Ingram had played with star players like Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum in New Orleans, but despite his talents, the Pelicans hadn’t been able to consistently make deep playoff runs.
The Toronto Raptors, meanwhile, have been a team in transition since the departure of Kawhi Leonard. Despite boasting one of the league’s best all-around talents in Pascal Siakam and a solid supporting cast, the Raptors have been inconsistent in their efforts to challenge for a title. The franchise, which had been a perennial playoff contender under coach Nick Nurse, sought a dynamic player like Ingram to bolster their forward rotation and increase their chances of contending with the Eastern Conference heavyweights.
In exchange for Ingram, the Pelicans received a package that involved young talent and future picks, signaling that New Orleans is focused on building around their young core rather than maintaining the status quo. This gave Toronto an immediate scoring option—one that could complement Siakam’s style and potentially elevate their offense to the next level.
For Bayless, however, the trade was much more than just a deal between two franchises. He immediately honed in on the psychological and long-term aspects of the move.
Bayless’ Take: A Question of Fit
Skip Bayless is known for his critical views on trades, especially when it comes to evaluating whether a move genuinely helps a team in the short and long term. When commenting on the Raptors’ acquisition of Ingram, Bayless was quick to acknowledge the raw talent that Ingram possesses. However, Bayless’ comments quickly turned to questioning whether Ingram would truly fit within Toronto’s system and whether he was the right answer for the Raptors as they chase another NBA title.
The Raptors’ Needs: More Than Just Scoring
According to Bayless, the Raptors’ move to acquire Ingram was an attempt to shore up an offense that, while decent, had lacked the consistency needed to make a serious playoff run in the highly competitive East. Bayless pointed out that while Ingram can certainly score—he’s a smooth, versatile wing who can hit from anywhere on the floor—the Raptors’ issues go beyond just offensive firepower. Bayless argued that Toronto’s main concern wasn’t necessarily putting up more points but finding the right balance of leadership, defense, and team chemistry.
“The Raptors are not in desperate need of scoring,” Bayless said on his show. “They’ve got Siakam, they’ve got Fred VanVleet, and they’ve got OG Anunoby. What they need is a guy who can step in and be a consistent defensive presence, and I’m just not sure Ingram is that guy.”
Bayless’ skepticism stems from Ingram’s less-than-stellar reputation on the defensive end. While Ingram has undoubtedly made strides on that side of the ball, he isn’t regarded as an elite defender, and this was a key point in Bayless’ analysis. In a Raptors system that has prided itself on defense over the years—emphasizing switchability and versatility—Ingram’s lack of elite defensive prowess could present a challenge.
“Defense wins championships,” Bayless emphasized, pointing out that the Raptors were at their peak when they had a strong defensive backbone under Coach Nurse’s system, featuring players like Kawhi Leonard, Serge Ibaka, and Marc Gasol. “You don’t just get a scorer like Ingram and expect to automatically contend for a title. They need a player who can lock down the best offensive players in the league. Ingram, for all his talent, hasn’t shown he can do that consistently.”
A Star in the Making, but Will He Be a Leader?
Bayless also expressed doubts about whether Ingram has the leadership qualities necessary to elevate the Raptors when it matters most. While Ingram has undoubtedly shown the ability to score at a high level and take over games, he hasn’t demonstrated the kind of leadership that a team like the Raptors requires to make a deep playoff push.
“Brandon Ingram’s scoring is beautiful to watch, but does he have the mindset of a true leader?” Bayless asked rhetorically. “He’s been on teams with other stars and hasn’t exactly proven to be the guy who can carry a franchise on his back. That’s something the Raptors need if they’re going to truly contend.”
Bayless drew comparisons to the Raptors’ past championship run, noting that it was Kawhi Leonard’s leadership—combined with his ability to dominate offensively and defensively—that pushed the Raptors over the top. While Ingram may have the potential to develop into a leader, Bayless emphasized that it’s not always easy to make that transition. He pointed to Ingram’s struggles to become the clear-cut leader in New Orleans despite being one of their best players.
The New Orleans Perspective: Is Ingram a Cornerstone?
While Bayless was critical of the Raptors’ move, he also made sure to acknowledge the Pelicans’ perspective on the trade. Bayless noted that for New Orleans, moving on from Ingram made sense in the context of their rebuild. With Zion Williamson, who had shown flashes of being a generational talent when healthy, the Pelicans are focused on building around him and creating a team that complements his playstyle.
“The Pelicans’ plan seems to revolve around Zion, and Ingram doesn’t necessarily fit as the second star next to him,” Bayless said. “It’s a smart move for New Orleans to clear up some space and try to add pieces that will work better with Zion.”
By sending Ingram to Toronto, the Pelicans have the opportunity to focus on younger talent and build a team that suits Zion’s strengths—especially given that Ingram’s style of play isn’t as conducive to the type of up-tempo, fast-breaking offense that the Pelicans need to thrive with Williamson.
Ingram’s Potential in Toronto: Could This Be a Blessing in Disguise?
Despite his concerns, Bayless did acknowledge that the trade could be a positive for Ingram if he adapts to the Raptors’ system and takes on the challenge of elevating his game. Ingram, who has been known for his scoring and ability to create his own shot, could find a better environment for his growth in Toronto under a strong coaching staff. With Nurse’s ability to draw up creative offensive plays and make adjustments, Bayless suggested that Ingram could take his game to the next level, especially with Siakam providing an established star presence alongside him.
“If Ingram can adapt his game to the Raptors’ needs, he could prove to be a key piece in their puzzle,” Bayless acknowledged. “But the question is whether he can change his approach and learn to thrive in a system where defense and ball movement are prioritized over individual scoring.”
