Things have not gone right for the Toronto Raptors this year, falling to 11-18 on the season.
Toronto has now lost three straight and are 2-8 in their last 10 games. For a team wanting to get back to the postseason, it hasn’t been good for them.
A top of all the rumors that have been swirling around, it is easy for things to get out of hand fast. Especially for a first-time head coach in Darko Rajakovic.
He had big shoes to fill as Nick Nurse was a championship head coach. Rajakovic has to figure out a way to get the Raptors back on track.
Coaches have to find a way to motivate their players, especially during losing streaks or tough periods of the season. Rajakovic was asked how he motivates his team and he said it’s love, via Sportsnet:
“It’s love I have a lot of love for our guys and I hit them with the truth. I tell them what I see on film. What I believe is the right thing. But at the same time I’m trying to stay very positive with our guys and to encourage them to stay on the path together.”
After a disappointing 2022-23 season, the beginning of this season has been another lackluster start for Toronto. It is encouraging to hear Rajakovic remaining positive during these tough times, but change may be coming.
Toronto has lost 10 of their last 13 games, and barring a sudden change of play, the Raptors are going to have to make some moves at the trade deadline. Whether that be a retooling of the roster or a complete rebuild.
Coaches usually get the blame for a team’s struggles, but struggles are expected for a rookie head coach. Known for his development with the Memphis Grizzlies, it would be interesting to see Rajakovic handle a youth movement in Toronto.
Rajakovic kept it real when asked about a lineup change
During a losing streak like the Raptors are enduring right now, it prompts change in some capacity to pick up some wins.
With the starters sharing their struggles this year, Rajakovic admits he is thinking about changing the lineup. However, he says that there is not a Stephen Curry on their bench, that he’s holding back.
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