It's been a trying start to Ja'Kobe Walter's NBA career.
The Toronto Raptors rookie has re-sprained the AC joint in his shoulder and will be re-evaluated in a week, the team announced Friday.
Walter's injury is the same as the one he suffered in training camp, which kept him out for a month and saw him miss the entirety of pre-season and the first five games of the regular season.
The latest incident occurred late in the third quarter of Wednesday's 122-107 loss to the Sacramento Kings. The 2024 19th overall pick got caught by a hard screen from Domantas Sabonis and immediately grabbed at his right shoulder.
Walter subbed out moments later and went right to the locker room. The team later said the injury was a right AC joint contusion and that the rookie would not return as he undergoes further testing.
He put up two points and one rebound in seven minutes of action and is averaging 2.7 points and 3.3 rebounds through three games this season.
It's the latest in a slew of injuries for Toronto. The Raptors are already missing starters Scottie Barnes (orbital fracture) and Immanuel Quickley (pelvic contusion), with rotation players Bruce Brown (arthroscopic procedure) and Kelly Olynyk (back strain) out as well. Meanwhile, before the game on Thursday, head coach Rajakovic also added that veteran Garrett Temple would miss the game due to back spasms.
The Raptors continue a five-game road trip against the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday.
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