Can Ja’Kobe Walter step up in Kawhi’s absence?

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Can Ja’Kobe Walter step up in Kawhi’s absence?

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 25: Ja'kobe Walter #14 of the Toronto Raptors looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter during the home opener at Target Center on October 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Raptors 117-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Noah Curitti · SB Nation

Thu, Oct 29, 2026 ·

5 min read

What does Walter offer?

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 25: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball against Ja'kobe Walter #14 of the Toronto Raptors in the fourth quarter during the home opener at Target Center on October 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Raptors 117-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Walter enters his third NBA season looking to establish himself as a consistent contributor in Toronto's rotation. The young guard has the ability to stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting, while his defensive instincts and quick hands give him the potential to make an impact away from the ball. He can also play alongside Toronto's primary ball-handlers, allowing him to contribute without needing to dominate possession. However, consistency remains a key question, particularly as he looks to contribute beyond his shooting and prove he can handle increased responsibility against opposing starters.

Walter began the campaign in a reserve role, but Kawhi Leonard's absence has created an opportunity for him to take on more responsibility. He made an immediate impression in Toronto's season opener against the Chicago Bulls, recording 10 points and three steals. He followed that performance with seven points against the Washington Wizards before breaking out against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 25.

The third-year guard led Toronto with 22 points on seven-of-12 shooting, including five three-pointers, in 31 minutes against Minnesota. Although the Raptors fell 117-94, Walter's performance offered an encouraging glimpse of what he could provide with an expanded role. The challenge now is turning that breakout performance into consistent production as Toronto navigates Leonard's absence.

The opportunity ahead

Leonard's absence presents Walter with a chance to show the coaching staff how his game can translate to a larger role. Beyond knocking down open shots, Walter will need to make quick decisions, attack defensive gaps and take advantage of opportunities in transition. Those areas could help him remain effective even when opposing defences limit his looks from the perimeter.

There is also a longer-term benefit to consider. With more minutes comes the opportunity to gain experience against tougher matchups and learn what it takes to contribute consistently at the NBA level. Walter may not be able to fill the void left by a player of Leonard's calibre, but this stretch could offer a clearer picture of his ceiling and where he fits into Toronto's plans moving forward.

My Thoughts

TORONTO, CANADA – OCTOBER 21: JaKobe Walter #14 of the Toronto Raptors smiles before the game against the Chicago Bulls on October 21, 2026 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Personally, I'm very high on Walter and believe he has been a valuable contributor off the bench for the Raptors. This will undoubtedly be a big test for him, but I think he is well-positioned to handle the opportunity. Nobody expects him to replicate Leonard's production, but with his skill set and the pieces Toronto already has in place, I believe the transition from the bench to the starting lineup could be smoother than some might expect.

This is a great opportunity for Walter to break out and establish himself as a consistent contributor for the Raptors moving forward. Just as importantly, I'd like to see him maintain that level of play if he returns to a bench role once Leonard is healthy. Developing that consistency would make him an even more valuable piece of Toronto's rotation.

In my opinion, Walter is the Raptors' best option to step into a larger role during Leonard's absence. I'm excited to see what he can do with the opportunity, and this stretch could be an important step in his development as a young player in Toronto.