Introduction
When the Toronto Raptors entered the season, questions swirled around whether head coach Darko Rajakovic could turn a developing roster into a winning one. His first two years with the franchise showcased strong communication skills, a positive atmosphere, and undeniable teaching abilities. But this season presented a different challenge: fewer excuses, higher expectations, and a renewed need to compete at the top level of the Eastern Conference.
Now, nearly a quarter into the season, the answer is becoming clear. Rajakovic hasn’t changed his philosophy, demeanour, or coaching style—and that consistency has translated into wins. The Raptors are thriving not because he reinvented himself, but because he stayed true to what made him successful in the first place.
Behind the scenes, players have bought in, the mood is lighter, and on the court, execution is sharper. Whether it’s a late-game possession or a tough road matchup, Toronto is proving it can win in multiple ways—and Rajakovic’s steady hand is at the centre of it all.
Darko Rajakovic’s Philosophy: Teaching, Positivity, and Trust
A Coach True to His Roots
One of the most striking themes that emerges from speaking with Raptors players is that Rajakovic has remained exactly the same coach he has always been. Despite the pressure to move beyond the “rebuilding” phase, his style hasn’t shifted toward harsh criticism or demanding theatrics. Instead, his approach continues to revolve around teaching in real time, correcting mistakes through dialogue, and building trust.
Players universally say that they appreciate the way he handles in-game coaching. Instead of berating players or calling them out publicly, Rajakovic communicates directly, clearly, and respectfully—even during the heat of live play.
Positivity That Resonates
It’s rare in the NBA to find a coach who refrains from publicly criticizing his players. Rajakovic has mastered that balance. While he may privately acknowledge flaws that fans or analysts see, he never places his players in uncomfortable situations by going negative on the record.
Over more than two seasons of covering the team, it’s difficult to recall a single instance where he publicly chastised a player. This matters more than many realize. Players know he supports them, and they respond with effort and engagement. As RJ Barrett put it earlier this week:
“Darko? Man, he cares about us. Of course we want to play for him.”
Beyond tactics and film sessions, Rajakovic also fosters personal connection. His daily check-ins about life off the court, the post-game “chain” award, and his approachable personality have contributed to an atmosphere where players genuinely enjoy showing up to work.
Tactical Growth: Trusting Players to Execute
Winning the Tough Ones
Critics once wondered whether Rajakovic’s strengths—his people skills, developmental focus, and positivity—would ultimately translate to winning in pressure moments. So far, he’s answered that doubt convincingly.
In the Raptors’ recent victories, which were decided in the final minutes, the difference-maker wasn’t a series of dramatic sideline play calls. Instead, it was player execution—something Rajakovic has prepared them for since training camp.
He does not rely on an elaborate collection of “end-of-game plays,” nor does he feel compelled to micromanage. Rather, he trusts players to read the situation, react appropriately, and make the correct basketball decision. That trust empowers players to take ownership of clutch moments, and they love him for it.
A Style That Translates
Inside the organization, some had wondered over the past two seasons whether Rajakovic’s coaching identity—rooted in chemistry building and teaching—could pivot to the demands of a team expected to win now. Although the sample size remains early, the answer so far is a resounding yes. Toronto is playing harder, smarter, and more cohesively than many expected, and the coaching staff’s belief in player autonomy is paying off.
Ja’Kobe Walter Finds His Groove
A Rocky Start to the Season
Through the first 10 to 12 games of the season, one of the biggest questions lingering around the Raptors’ rotation was: Why isn’t Ja’Kobe Walter better yet?
The talented young guard has all the tools—speed, shooting touch, confidence—but for weeks he struggled to find rhythm or carve out meaningful minutes.
Coaches and players couldn’t pinpoint a specific issue. Each offered a different, partial explanation:
-
“Maybe it’s his balance?”
-
“He probably needs to get stronger.”
-
“There’s no real reason.”
A Promising Breakthrough
Whatever the cause, Walter appears to have turned a corner. His recent performances have given the Raptors a noticeable boost. His best outing came Wednesday in Philadelphia, where he delivered 11 points, drained three three-pointers, recorded three steals, and held his own defensively against Tyrese Maxey—no small task.
This followed an impressive defensive showing in Cleveland, suggesting his confidence is no longer fluctuating from game to game.
If Walter can maintain this upward trajectory, Toronto suddenly has a bench unit that stretches five deep—immensely valuable over an 82-game season. A more reliable second unit also reduces the burden on the starters and opens up new lineup possibilities.
Of course, consistency is key. Walter will need to prove he can play at this level night after night. But compared to where he was during the early-season slump, the organization’s optimism has grown significantly.
Jamison Battle: Preparing the Mind as Much as the Body
The Mental Edge Behind His Readiness
Raptors forward Jamison Battle may not be the first name mentioned when discussing breakout candidates, but his preparation—both physical and mental—has made him a dependable contributor whenever called upon.
During a conversation near the end of the team’s recent road trip, Battle offered rare insight into how he stays ready. Beyond maintaining peak physical shape, he places strong emphasis on maintaining a steady, balanced mental state.
He credits much of this mindset to the work of Trevor Moawad, a renowned mental performance coach who helped elite athletes across multiple sports.
Neutral Mindset in Action
Battle referenced Moawad’s books, Getting to Neutral and It Takes What It Takes, which emphasize staying emotionally centered—neither too high after a great game nor too low after a rough one.
“It’s like being in neutral in a car,” Battle explained. “You’re ready to go forward, but you’re also ready to go backwards, and you only want to stay in the present moment.”
This type of introspective approach is rare among professional athletes, and it highlights Battle’s maturity as well as the seriousness with which he prepares for his role. His willingness to train both the body and the mind gives fans yet another reason to appreciate the depth and professionalism developing within this Raptors team.
Conclusion
The Raptors entered the season facing uncertainty—from the growth of young players to the expectations placed on Darko Rajakovic. But through stability, trust, and an unwavering commitment to his core values, Rajakovic has guided the team into a new phase of competitive basketball.
Wins are stacking up, players are thriving under his leadership, and the culture in Toronto feels rejuvenated. While it’s still early and much of the season lies ahead, the foundation now looks stronger than ever.
