Sometimes, NBA Media Day delivers more laughs than storylines. That was the case when Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram was asked about playing alongside RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes.
“There seems to be a lot of enthusiasm that you, RJ, and Scottie can work together as a threesome…” a reporter began.
Without hesitation, Ingram cut in: “Pause on that.”
Reporter: “There seems to be a lot of enthusiasm that you and RJ and Scottie can work together as a threesome…”
Ingram: "Pause.." 😅
(h/t @ClutchPoints)
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 29, 2025
The comment drew chuckles across the room, quickly going viral online. But beneath the humor lies serious intrigue about what Ingram, Barrett, and Barnes can build in Toronto.
Ingram was traded to the Raptors from the New Orleans Pelicans last season and soon committed to his new franchise, signing a three-year, $120 million extension. But his highly anticipated debut never came, injuries sidelined him for the entire 2024–25 campaign. Now, fully healthy, he enters this season with plenty to prove.
The Raptors, meanwhile, are banking on their new core. RJ Barrett, the Canadian native, is eager to shine on home soil. Scottie Barnes, fresh off winning Most Improved Player in 2024, continues to be their do-it-all leader. Pairing them with a versatile scorer like Ingram gives Toronto one of the more intriguing young trios in the East.
The franchise has been in rebuild mode since Fred VanVleet departed in 2023 and Pascal Siakam was dealt to the Indiana Pacers that same season. Last year’s 30-52 record left them in 11th place, but the team showed flashes of potential under head coach Darko Rajakovic. With the East not nearly as brutal as the West, there’s genuine optimism Toronto can push for a playoff berth this year.
Ingram’s offensive versatility makes him the centerpiece. A long, smooth forward with the ability to score at all three levels, he can both complement Barrett’s slashing and Barnes’ playmaking while also serving as the go-to scorer late in games.
Yes, Ingram’s quick-witted “pause” stole the headlines, but it also highlighted his comfort level in Toronto already. After a lost season, Raptors fans are ready to see him on the floor.
With a healthy Ingram, a confident Barrett, and a blossoming Barnes, the Raptors finally have the foundation to climb back into contention. Whether the trio becomes as dangerous as fans hope remains to be seen, but the excitement is real and if Media Day is any indication, Ingram is ready to embrace both the pressure and the fun of a new chapter.
