While the preseason is set to begin, Raptors fans will have to wait a little longer to watch rookie Ja'Kobe Walter take the floor.
Ahead of media day, Toronto announced that Walter is dealing with a shoulder injury that will limit him from participating in training camp. While the injury is not deemed too serious, it is a disappointing setback for Walter, who was selected 19th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Walter's first action in a Raptors uniform came at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, where he averaged 11.6 points and 2.8 rebounds over five games. Toronto is set to play five preseason games before it tips off its 30th NBA season on Oct. 23.
What does Walter's injury mean for the preseason and season opener? Here is everything to know about the rookie's injury.
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What is Ja'Kobe Walter's injury?
Walter's injury is a sprained AC (acromioclavicular) joint in his right shoulder, the Raptors announced on Sept. 27. He suffered the injury during informal workouts while ramping up for training camp.
The AC joint is where the shoulder blade meets the collarbone. A sprain of the joint is when the ligaments within are damaged.
Walter's right shoulder is his dominant shoulder, which will almost certainly be considered in the approach to rehab. He recently celebrated his 20th birthday and is a part of the Raptors' long-term plans, so the big picture will always be in mind with him.
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How long is Ja'Kobe Walter out?
Walter will not participate in on-court activities during Raptors training camp in Montreal, which concludes with their preseason opener on Oct. 6. The time Walter ultimately misses depends on the grade of the sprain and his response to rehab.
During media day on Sept. 30, Raptors president Masai Ujiri told reporters that he did not expect the injury to be a setback that would impact the beginning of Walter's rookie season.
Ujiri's statement suggests Walter should be ready to go for opening night of the 2024-25 season.
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Raptors upcoming schedule 2024-25
The Raptors begin their preseason schedule with an exhibition against the Wizards in Montreal. They then play the Wizards once more, have a home-and-home with the defending champion Celtics and close out the action with a visit to Brooklyn.
The regular season opens on Oct. 23.
Preseason
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Sunday, Oct. 6 | vs. Wizards (in Montreal) | 7:30 p.m. | TSN 4/5 |
| Friday, Oct. 11 | at Wizards | 7 p.m. | TSN 4/5 |
| Sunday, Oct. 13 | at Celtics | 7 p.m. | Sportsnet |
| Tuesday, Oct. 15 | vs. Celtics | 7 p.m. | Sportsnet |
| Friday, Oct. 18 | at Nets | 7:30 p.m. | TSN 4 |
Regular season
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Wednesday, Oct. 23 | vs. Cavaliers | 7:30 p.m. | TBD |
| Friday, Oct. 25 | vs. 76ers | 7 p.m. | TBD |
| Saturday, Oct. 26 | at Timberwolves | 8 p.m. | TBD |
| Monday, Oct. 28 | vs. Nuggets | 7:30 p.m. | TBD |
| Wednesday, Oct. 30 | at Hornets | 7 p.m. | TBD |
