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It’s been a long road for Ja’Kobe Walter, but the rookie finally looks ready to suit up.
The Toronto Raptors‘ 19th-overall pick from the 2024 NBA Draft will be available to make his NBA debut on Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers, head coach Darko Rajakovic told reporters.
Walter, 20, has been dealing with a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder that was suffered in training camp. He missed the entirety of the pre-season and the first five games of the Raptors’ regular season.
He was originally listed as questionable ahead of the game but went through warm-ups with the team before tip-off.
“It would be like a fairy tale, honestly,” Walter told reporters, speaking about potentially making his debut against LeBron James as the Lakers.
The former Baylor product was the Raptors’ top selection this season. Their other three picks from the 2024 Draft — Jonathan Mogbo (31st overall), Jamal Shead (45th overall) and Ulrich Chomche (57th overall) — have all already debuted for the team.
In his one year in college, Walter averaged 14.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 35 games for the Bears.
Rajakovic also provided injury updates on Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley. Barnes will see a specialist regarding his orbital fracture on Monday, but there is still no word as to whether he’ll need surgery. Quickley is listed as out for Friday’s game against the Lakers and Saturday’s game against the Sacramento Kings.
