When Darko Rajakovic was hired by the Toronto Raptors he didn’t know what the team would look like.
The Raptors had a ton of questions about their roster and direction.
Following Fred VanVleet’s departure, it was believed that the Raptors would blow it up and enter a rebuilding phase centered around Scottie Barnes.
However, the Raptors didn’t make any significant moves and ran the roster as is hoping Rajakovic could get the most out of this group.
Through 20 games it has been a wildly inconsistent season for Toronto. They are 9-11 and while they have had some solid wins, there have been some really bad loses.
There have been games where the bench is a non-factor, the shooting is downright bad and certain players struggle.
The Raptors latest game against the New York Knicks was another example of a tough loss. The Raptors will now have a few days off until their next game against the Miami Heat on Dec. 6.
Rajakovic reflected on where the Raptors are as they head into this mini break:
Darko Rajakovic reflecting on where his team is at with a few days off until the Raptors play again:
“I think we’re still searching (for) our identity… we gotta decide what kind of team we want to be.” pic.twitter.com/6REvLsfJ1d
— Toronto Star Sports (@StarSports) December 2, 2023
Rajakovic isn’t to blame for Raptors early struggles
When looking at the entire situation, Rajakovic is definitely in a tough position. Management has not picked a direction so he has to make the best of what he has. The Raptors roster may end up looking a lot different by the time the team gets through the trade deadline.
Rajakovic has gotten his fair share of criticism, but all things considered he has handled things well. The Raptors struggles and lack of identity comes from the poor roster construction, not Rajakovic.
Rajakovic and the Raptors will look to turn things around when they resume play next Wednesday.
Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
