For the first time under head coach Darko Rajakovic, the Raptors are in position to compete for a playoff spot, and he has earned recognition for guiding the team to this stage, Michael Grange writes for Sportsnet.
After winning just 30 games last season and ranking 25th in defense, Toronto has made a significant leap to 44 wins and the sixth-best defense this year, with three games remaining.
The Raptors currently sit sixth in the Eastern Conference, holding a one-game edge over the Sixers and Magic and a 1.5-game cushion over the Hornets entering Wednesday.
“This is what you sign up for,” Rajakovic said. “It’s very, very exciting … the path that we had the past two years and this in my third year of coaching here to be in a position to plan, to fight for something, to fight for the playoffs, to fight for seeding, it’s all very, very meaningful.”
Beyond the improved results, backup big Sandro Mamukelashvili praised Rajakovic for his communication and openness with players.
“You go through things mentally, physically … (and) his office is always open, so it’s easy to step in there,” Mamukelashvili said. “A lot of head coaches are a little bit unapproachable, so just having the freedom to step in there and tell him what I feel and what I think I can do, where do I see myself, where does he see me? … I think that helps you through the long run.”
Atlantic Notes: Rajakovic, Smith, McBride, Lidell https://t.co/4rUyRF7n7B pic.twitter.com/0nbHj5XLvk
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