Latest news with #DarkoRajakovic
Hamilton Spectator
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Raptors exit Vegas Summer League with a loss and a win
The Raptors did not leave Las Vegas with the first Summer League championship in franchise history, but the trip was more than well worth it. Losing Saturday's semifinal — 98-88 to the Sacramento Kings, after cutting a 22-point deficit to one late in the second quarter — will be a disappointment to the players and staff, without question. But when it comes to debriefing after five games and nearly three weeks in Nevada, there will be much important information now available to head coach Darko Rajakovic, his staff and general manager Bobby Webster. And in the grand picture, which is the coming season, that's more vital than the championship rings they could have earned. In his weekly Raptors Insider, Doug Smith writes about what he saw and heard regarding the What the Summer League does is get players who might play in the NBA regular season used to the schemes that will be needed then, and in that respect it was a success. The Raptors will be looking for backups to increase the tempo, scramble the game with gambling, disruptive defence and inject energy. And even though the likes of Jamal Shead, Ja'Kobe Walter, Jonathan Mogbo, Jamison Battle and Collin Murray-Boyles will rarely get the NBA minutes they had in Summer League games, and the opposition will be immeasurably better, they showed enough in Las Vegas. 'Some people are born to be models, like me,' Summer League coach James Wade joked early in the Vegas stint. 'Some people are born to be firemen. Some people are born to be policemen. Walter was tremendous in his rookie season when he was healthy and in game shape, which is why 'That group in the locker room, they're born to play defence. So they have to really buy into it.' And they did, Saturday's loss notwithstanding. So the first order of business, instilling a style, was accomplished. Individually, there was enough for Rajakovic to see to devise developmental programs for the younger players. The rookies? They were as advertised. Everybody wants to talk about the departure of Raptors president Masai Ujiri as teams take part The work done in practices and games in Vegas was a scene-setter for the overall organization. A team style has to start somewhere, including having a half-dozen young players exposed to it. The fact is that probably eight of the top 10 roster spots are taken by Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Jakob Poeltl, Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji and Sandro Mamukelashvili, with Shead and Walter probably leading for the other two going into training camp. What happened in Vegas gave deep-rotation players extended time so the coaches can find out what they need to work on. On the whole, the success wasn't four wins, although winning any game beats the alternative. It was learning more about players with some questions answered, others posed and more than enough information gleaned for the behind-the-scenes preparation for the season to be done in earnest.
Edmonton Journal
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
Raptors Summer League takeaways: The kids are alright
It's possible the 'Toronto Raptors' just played the best game a Raptors team will turn in all season. Article content Yes, it came at Las Vegas Summer League Friday night and, sure, only two locks to be in head coach Darko Rajakovic's rotation (Jamal Shead and Ja'Kobe Walter) suited up and it needs to be noted that opponent Chicago was nowhere close to a real NBA outfit, but that was one heck of a start. Article content Article content Article content Even the news just prior to tip-off that prized rookie Collin Murray-Boyles would be held out due to a left adductor strain couldn't spoil the day for the summer Raptors. Article content Article content The group looked hungry, aggressive but still measured enough to keep the fouling under control and simply overwhelmed the hapless Bulls, who turned the ball over 33 times. Article content • Maybe hold off on assuming Jonathan Mogbo's minutes will be replaced by Murray-Boyles and others. The 31st pick a year ago was arguably the best player on the court. Not only did he hit all but one of his eight shot attempts (though none were of the three-point variety, something Mogbo needs to change), but he also was as good as anyone defensively. When Chicago's most talented player, Matas Buzelis, tried to make things happen, Mogbo was there to say absolutely not repeatedly. It was impressive stuff. Article content Article content The real Raptors are stacked with long, big men who do many things well, with shooting being the exception. Mogbo is one of them, but if he keeps playing like this, Rajakovic might have to find a spot for him. Article content Article content Keep in mind that Mogbo flashed his potential late in the season with one triple-double in April, another game where he was a point shy of a triple double, another where he had eight points, rebounds and assists and one where he was three assists short. Meaningless games or not, it isn't easy to consistently fill the boxscore like that and offence isn't even what will get Mogbo on an NBA court. Article content • Despite only being around for 31 years, the Raptors arguably boast the most impressive history of elite slam dunkers in league history. Vince Carter is widely regarded as the best dunker of all-time, Tracy McGrady, Terrence Ross and DeMar DeRozan were also nearly as good as it gets and Norman Powell and Kawhi Leonard had some historic jams too with the team in the playoffs. Hardcore Raptors fans remember the likes of Keon Clark, Sonny Weems, Fred Jones and Jamario Moon as well. We feel confident adding Alijah Martin to the list after one appearance. This year's 39th pick threw down an absolutely silly one-handed cradle jam in the second quarter that probably will be the best dunk of Summer League this year.
National Post
12-07-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Raptors Summer League takeaways: The kids are alright
It's possible the 'Toronto Raptors' just played the best game a Raptors team will turn in all season. Article content Yes, it came at Las Vegas Summer League Friday night and, sure, only two locks to be in head coach Darko Rajakovic's rotation (Jamal Shead and Ja'Kobe Walter) suited up and it needs to be noted that opponent Chicago was nowhere close to a real NBA outfit, but that was one heck of a start. Article content Article content Article content Even the news just prior to tip-off that prized rookie Collin Murray-Boyles would be held out due to a left adductor strain couldn't spoil the day for the summer Raptors. The group looked hungry, aggressive but still measured enough to keep the fouling under control and simply overwhelmed the hapless Bulls, who turned the ball over 33 times. Article content Here are some takeaways: Article content • Maybe hold off on assuming Jonathan Mogbo's minutes will be replaced by Murray-Boyles and others. The 31st pick a year ago was arguably the best player on the court. Not only did he hit all but one of his eight shot attempts (though none were of the three-point variety, something Mogbo needs to change), but he also was as good as anyone defensively. When Chicago's most talented player, Matas Buzelis, tried to make things happen, Mogbo was there to say absolutely not repeatedly. It was impressive stuff. Article content The real Raptors are stacked with long, big men who do many things well, with shooting being the exception. Mogbo is one of them, but if he keeps playing like this, Rajakovic might have to find a spot for him. Article content Article content Keep in mind that Mogbo flashed his potential late in the season with one triple-double in April, another game where he was a point shy of a triple double, another where he had eight points, rebounds and assists and one where he was three assists short. Meaningless games or not, it isn't easy to consistently fill the boxscore like that and offence isn't even what will get Mogbo on an NBA court. Article content Article content • Despite only being around for 31 years, the Raptors arguably boast the most impressive history of elite slam dunkers in league history. Vince Carter is widely regarded as the best dunker of all-time, Tracy McGrady, Terrence Ross and DeMar DeRozan were also nearly as good as it gets and Norman Powell and Kawhi Leonard had some historic jams too with the team in the playoffs. Hardcore Raptors fans remember the likes of Keon Clark, Sonny Weems, Fred Jones and Jamario Moon as well. We feel confident adding Alijah Martin to the list after one appearance. This year's 39th pick threw down an absolutely silly one-handed cradle jam in the second quarter that probably will be the best dunk of Summer League this year.
Reuters
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Raptors F Brandon Ingram (ankle) cleared for contact
July 11 - Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram has been cleared for contract as he works his way back from an ankle injury. "He's pain-free, he's moving well, he got stronger," Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic told TSN on Thursday. "He's in a really, really great spot." The 27-year-old former All-Star is expected to take part in upcoming team scrimmages, per TSN. Ingram has been completing individual workouts and training with the Raptors while rehabilitating the injury that ended his season on Dec. 7, when he was still a member of the New Orleans Pelicans. Ingram joined the Raptors in a February trade that sent Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk to the Pelicans. Days after the trade, Ingram agreed to a three-year, $120 million extension with the Raptors, a deal that reportedly includes a player option in 2027-28. He has not played a game for the Raptors. He was officially shut down for the season on April 9 after receiving a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to help his recovery. An All-Star in 2019-20, Ingram averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 18 games in 2024-25. He owns career clips of 19.5 points, 5.2 boards and 4.3 assists in 495 games (456 starts) for the Los Angeles Lakers (2016-19) and Pelicans. The Lakers drafted him No. 2 overall in 2016. --Field Level Media
National Post
26-06-2025
- Sport
- National Post
How Raptors first-round draft pick Collin Murray-Boyles fits in Toronto
Collin Murray-Boyles cleared up his viral reaction to being drafted by the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday and now it's time to clear up how he should fit on the team starting next season. Article content Murray-Boyles, the former South Carolina star considered by some as the best off-ball defender in the draft, chiefly brings that skill to the table. Article content Article content Toronto will prioritize aggressive, disruptive defensive schemes and Murray-Boyles is an ideal fit in that regard. A master of blowing up plays with steals and deflections, Murray-Boyles should complement Scottie Barnes, who at times last year flashed all-defensive potential. Article content He can also maintain some of the disruptive qualities Barnes provides when the team's star is resting on the bench. Article content Raptors assistant general manger Dan Tolzman had said earlier this week that the team was looking for players who would be able to thrive in the playoffs when things get more physical. They want strong and smart players and Murray-Boyles is both. His defensive IQ is considered top level, he's a great competitor and a hard worker. Article content It's less clear how he fits on the other end, but head coach Darko Rajakovic likes multi-skilled players who can make quick decisions and Murray-Boyles fits the bill there as well. Article content Perhaps they try to let him bully small forwards or out-quick centres at times, even if power forward is his natural spot. Article content 'I think at the defensive end, he can guard all over,' Raptors general manager Bobby Webster said after the draft's first round. 'What's the natural fit on the offensive end? I think we'll see. I think he handles the ball well. He does a lot of things. You see sort of Darko does in his offence: Dribble handoffs, sort of operate from the top, pass well. So we think he fits sort of on both ends.' Article content The long-time Toronto GM said they had Murray-Boyles ranked higher than where he went (as did many draft evaluators in the public sphere). Article content 'We had our eye on him going into the season. Elite defence, versatile, good hands. He has a chance to be a really, really good defender in the NBA.' Article content On offence, shooting will be the swing skill for Murray-Boyles, the difference between Toronto getting a decent starter, a strong reserve or a potential high-impact starter. Article content While he led the SEC in field goal and effective field goal percentage, Murray-Boyles almost exclusively got two-point buckets, only attempting 34 three-pointers in 32 games, making just 26.5% of them. Keep in mind the NCAA three-point line is closer than the NBA one, so there's lots of work to be done on his outside shooting. Article content Murray-Boyles told us he has been working extremely hard on his jump shot and now will get into the Toronto system, which has had some success in the past (most notably recently with Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby and, to some degree, with Barnes, though he took several steps backward there last season). He already went from just five three-point attempts as a freshman to one or so per game as a sophomore.
