Toronto Raptors X-factor may be its assistant coach, Sergio Scariolo

Sergio Scariolo is a decorated coach who seems overqualified for an assistant coaching job. With such a vast amount of knowledge and experience, what should Raptor fans expect from Scariolo?

Following Dwane Casey’s firing, the Toronto Raptors promoted assistant coach Nick Nurse, as the new man in charge. Now at the helm of the Raptors, Nurse has elected to bring in his own crew (as any new leader would).

Masai Ujiri and the Raptors have signed a grand total of four new assistant coaches. Though all impressive, Sergio Scariolo is by far the most notable acquisition.

The Notorious Italian

Having started his remarkable career in 1989, Sergio is now approaching his 30th year of coaching. While none of the 30 years were in the NBA, the former Real Madrid coach has added a plethora of accomplishments to his résumé.

After becoming the Italian league champions in 1990, Scariolo established himself as an elite coach. Not soon after, he was named Italian coach of the year in 1994.

Sergio then went on to join the Spanish basketball league in 1997 and struck gold once again. Within his 21 year stint in the league, Scariolo lead his team to become the Spanish Cup winners (1999 & 2005) and Spanish League champions (2000 & 2005). He was also named the AEEB Spanish COTY in the year 2000.

As he was dominating the Spanish League, Sergio also found success coaching nationally. A 3-time gold medalist, Scariolo thrived when coaching Spain during the European basketball championship. To no one’s surprise, his success translated to the Olympics well, when he managed to earn a silver (2012) and bronze (2016) medal.

The Solution to Toronto’s Biggest Problem

An overqualified assistant coach is a good problem to have. Sergio Scariolo is an intelligent guy who understands that despite all his accomplishments, he hasn’t experienced the NBA.

The best league in the world, the NBA isn’t something a coach simply adjusts to within a few months. Scariolo will use this assistant coach position to ease his transition into the league, hoping to once again find success in a greener pasture.

Despite constant playoff failures, Toronto has always had a talented roster for the past 5 years or so. On paper at least, the Raptors matched up well with many of the league’s giants.

Recent seasons have always left Raptor fans thinking “this may be the year”, only to be disappointed in the post-season.

This has left many to believe Toronto’s shortcoming was due to a coaching issue and not a lack of talent. Casey’s deficiencies were easy to spot. Although a great developmental coach, he struggled to demand more from players and make proper in-game adjustments.

Under Casey’s staff, players such as DeMar DeRozan were allowed to stay in their comfort zone. DeRozan may have mastered the midrange shot, but he still remained a major liability on defense and failed to improve in other areas.

Year after year, Casey did not address crucial team issues which led to the Raptors suffering from the same consequences. Perhaps this is where Sergio Scariolo’s expertise will make a significant difference.

Toronto Raptors Potential X-factor

Known as a great hard-nosed motivator, Scariolo is always demanding more from his players. Though his style of “in your face” coaching is a bit outdated, his results cannot be denied. Had he been a part of the Raptors staff earlier, the team may have achieved much more success.

Sergio’s vast amount of basketball knowledge, experience, and mature mindset is what propels him as Toronto’s X-factor for the upcoming season.

Clearly, an intelligent coach who the Raptors desperately needed last season, Scariolo is set to be the one of the team’s biggest difference makers this season.