3 Toronto Raptors who will improve under Darko Rajakovic

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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 12: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates with teammate Pascal Siakam #43 against the Chicago Bulls (Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/Getty Images) /

2. Scottie Barnes

2023 was not the game-changing year many expected from sophomore and former rookie of the year Scottie Barnes. He averaged 15.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 2023. Luckily, Rajakovic’s system could be ideal for

Rajakovic has been quoted as saying:

"“We all know the importance of getting to the paint and getting great shots. When we create an advantage, we wanted to finish at the rim.”"

This was an area where the Raptors’ offense needed to improve. They were No. 18 in shots at the rim and No. 17 in drives per game. In Barnes, Rajakovic has a perfect vehicle through which he could run his attacking, Grizzlies-esque offense.

Scottie Barnes will love to be coached by Darko Rajakovic.

Barnes is one of Toronto’s most consistent rim attackers, and Rajakovic is sure to get him opportunities to do so more this coming season. More importantly, Rajakovic has a history of turning bigs into tremendous passers, which could help accentuate Barnes’ natural talents in this area.

It would also be prudent of the new coaching staff to define Barnes’s role as, until now, he’s played every position at some point. Provided Rajakovic has a very clear and thorough plan for Barnes, 2023/24 should be a much more exciting year for the Raptors’ star player.