Rookie head coach Darko Rajakovic has experienced a lot in his first season with the Toronto Raptors.
Toronto went through a fair amount of change as they made plenty of trades. Moving off from Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby resulted in a rebuild led by Scottie Barnes.
This has increased losing, but coaches and players are still trying to win games. Coming out of the All-Star break, it is easy for the focus to shift to the offseason as the Raptors have a chance to continue their rebuild.
However, according to Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun, Rajakovic is still trying to win every game and secure a spot in the Play-In Tournament:
Darko said Raptors are playing to win, get the experience of the play-in. Also talked about getting better every day (which I’d say is a more attainable goal).
— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) February 21, 2024
Toronto is currently five games back of the 10th seed, the final Play-In spot with 27 games remaining. Riding a three-game losing streak, the Raptors can turn things around and secure a tournament spot.
While teams are trying to lose, NBA players are competitors want to win every game. But, with Toronto shifting towards young talent, there will be bumps in the road and learning curves.
Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett certainly can win some games, but winning will impact their first-round draft pick. If Toronto can get in the top six of the NBA Draft, they get to keep their 2024 first-round pick.
It is a vital stretch if the Raptors truly want to get into the Play-In Tournament and there is not much room for error. Rajakovic is passionate about this team and truly wants to succeed at the highest level.
Darko Rajakovic and his wife donating $20 to children’s hospitals for every assist this season
Rajakovic has earned the opportunity to be a head coach as he paid his dues as an assistant.
Now, he and his wife are committed to giving back to the community by donating $20 to children’s hospitals for every assist this season.
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