Darko Rajakovi spoke to the media after practice in Boston on Friday afternoon, with a layer of sweat on his face. He didn’t quite look like a player, dripping with sweat after another long practice, but Rajakovi’s appearance was unusual for a head coach.
Even in his first year as the Toronto Raptors’ head coach, Rajakovi can’t shake his assistant coach tendencies. He won’t just be in charge of practice, standing in the middle of the court with a whistle and directing his team. Rajakovi, on the other hand, gets involved, throwing kick-out passes and attempting to work with his players through basketball drills.
“That’s what I really love about this game,” Rajakovi said in Boston. “I enjoy being on the floor with guys, trying to get sweat equity with them, and just being involved in their development and everything.” That’s my favorite part. I wish I could do it before every game, to be around the players and touch them up.”
During the open portion of practice on Wednesday, Gary Trent Jr. was working with Rajakovi. Rajakovi threw passes to the Raptors’ sixth man as he worked on his three-point shooting, with Rajakovi closing out on Trent’s shots.
“I kind of like go by feel and see where I can jump in and where I can help,” Rajaković said. “I’m definitely trying to connect with all the guys if not daily, but weekly, you know, just get a chance to talk to each of them.”
The ability of Rajakovi to connect with players was a big reason Toronto hired him to replace Nick Nurse this summer. Nurse’s voice had grown tired by the end of last year, and the Raptors wanted someone who could better relate to the younger generation.
Although it is still early in the season, Rajakovi’s approach with players has received overwhelmingly positive feedback. He’s honest and direct in his communication with his teammates, and the fact that he’s earned that “sweat equity,” as he calls it, has created a level of mutual respect that should bode well for the Raptors if and when trouble arises this season.
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