Darko Rajakovic shares a heartfelt message with Brandon Ingram after All-Star snub

In the middle of Toronto The Raptors reported trade talks before this week’s deadlinehead coach Darko Rajaković given by a veteran Brandon Ingram heartfelt message after his snub at All-Star Sunday. The NBA All-Star reserves were announced during the Raptors’ 107-100 win against the Utah Jazz. Toronto’s Scotty Barnes is headed to his second All-Star game.

Rajakovic consoled Ingram, while offering encouragement during a Raptors timeout, before congratulating Barnes on his All-Star honor, per Raptors’ X, previously on Twitter.

“You deserve to be an All-Star. Keep it as a chip on your brother’s shoulder,” said Rajakovic, before sending “congratulations” to Barnes.

Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic consoles Brandon Ingram who was not named an All-Star and congratulates Scotty Barnes who was named one 👏

“You deserve to be an All-Star. Keep that as a chip on your shoulder brother.”

“Congratulations man.”

(via @Raptors)pic.twitter.com/3H16hNzUnJ

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 2, 2026

Nice words from Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic, who believes two players should represent the Raptors during this month’s All-Star game.

Barnes joins Jaylen Duren of the Detroit Pistons, Jaylen Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks, Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavs, Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors‘ Norman Powell and Pascal Siakam of the Indiana Pacers, as the other Eastern Conference All-Star reserves. Barnes is averaging 19.3 points on a career-best 49.9 percent shooting, 8.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.3 steals per game this season.

Among the starters are Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics, Jaylen Brunson of the Knicks, Cade Cunningham of the Pistons and Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Brandon Ingram reacts to All-Star snub after Raptors win

After a seven-point win against the Jazz, Scotty Barnes reacted to Brandon Ingram’s All-Star offense. Ingram and Barnes led the Raptors in the win five of the last seven games, including a 103-101 win against the defending champion Thunder. At 30-21, Toronto has the fourth best record in the Eastern Conference standings.

Still, Ingram says not make it to this year’s All-Star the team is hurting, he said, per SportsNet’s Michael Grange.

“At this point, of course, it stung,” Ingram said. “It was hard to internalize during the game. I had to put it aside and figure out the best way to be efficient on the floor and win the game today.”

In the midst of the Raptors’ successful season, Barnes couldn’t believe his teammate’s name wasn’t announced next to his own.

“I don’t know how (Ingram didn’t make it). He played ball. He works so hard for our team, and since our team was last year (they tied their 30-win total in 2024-25 with Sunday’s win) until this year, his impact on our team is key to our success,” Barnes said. “It’s funny that he’s gone.”

Barnes, Ingram and the Raptors will host the Timberwolves on Wednesday.