On Tuesday, Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram was named to the NBA All-Star team, stepping in for Golden State Warriors’ star Stephen Curry, who is sidelined due to a knee injury. This marks Ingram’s second All-Star selection, his first since 2020, and he responded to the news by giving credit to an important person in his life.
Ingram Reflects on Being Named an All-Star Replacement
While Ingram feels honored to receive the All-Star nod, he acknowledged that being selected as a replacement rather than an initial pick fuels his motivation. He admitted he is not yet fully satisfied with his performance this season but remains optimistic about improving in the months ahead.
I wasn’t selected to be an All-Star right away. I was a replacement,
Ingram said.
I’m motivated. I’m inspired by that. I’m not where I want to be at this point of the season, for sure. I give myself grace because I hadn’t played (much) at all last year.
The forward emphasized his drive to continue developing every aspect of his game, including defense and shooting. He identified the remaining games of the season as a chance to demonstrate his growth.
I know every time I step on the floor, every time I come on the floor and put this work in that I’m evolving,
Ingram explained.
I want to do something more. I want to be a better defensive player. I want to shoot the basketball off the dribble better. I want to do everything better. I think the second half of the season is a good time to show who I can be and who I’m evolving into even more.
Gratitude Toward Girlfriend GloRilla for Inspiration
Ingram made sure to recognize the encouragement he receives from his girlfriend, rapper GloRilla, attributing some of his drive to her influence.
I’m going to shout out my girl because she’s going to be mad if I don’t shout out her,
Ingram joked.
All the attitude that I bring her every single day, her work ethic pushes me to be better too.
Career Progress and Impact on the Raptors
A former Duke Blue Devil, Ingram was selected second overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. In 2019, he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of the Anthony Davis deal and then moved to the Toronto Raptors at last season’s trade deadline. The Raptors acquired him in exchange for Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2031 second-round pick.
Shortly after joining Toronto, Ingram signed a three-year, $120 million contract extension. This season, he is averaging 22 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, while shooting 47.2% from the field, 36.4% from beyond the arc, and 85.1% from the free-throw line across 52 contests.
His contributions have helped the Raptors secure a 32-22 record, placing them fifth in the Eastern Conference and just one game shy of fourth place, which would grant them home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Looking Ahead: Ingram’s Motivation and Support Network
Even though Ingram was initially a replacement on the All-Star roster, he expressed genuine excitement about the honor and appreciation for those who have supported him throughout his career.
I want to thank all those people,
Ingram said. Everyone who believed me. With his continued development and on-court success, he is likely to gain even more supporters moving forward.
Brandon Ingram saves the last shoutout for GloRilla after being named 2026 All-Star:
"All the attitude that I bring her every single day, her work ethic pushes me to be better too." pic.twitter.com/ivoJilkTBp
— William Lou (@william_lou) February 10, 2026
