Raptors news: Thad Young praises Darko Rajakovic, Chris Boucher talks Montreal

The Toronto Raptors have a very unusual roster construction at the moment, as new head coach Darko Rajakovic will need to figure out how to get the most out of youngsters like Gradey Dick and Scottie Barnes and greybeards like Thad Young and Garrett Temple.

Rajakovic had a challenging task ahead of him, as he needed to win over a locker room that seemed to be at each other’s throats last year. Blending his own leadership style with a brand-new, fast-paced offense is a task that many neophyte coaches try to accomplish and fail at.

Young has seen a thing or two in this league, as he is one of the more experienced and well-respected vets still percolating around the game. According to his analysis, Rajakovic has done a terrific job of being himself, relating to his players, and implementing his scheme.

“He’s his own person,” Young said via the Toronto Sun. “He’s a one-of-one…He gives us the ability to kind of give him feedback and talk to him about certain things to make tweaks here and there.” Young also said that Rajakovic is not an old-school stubborn coach, as he is willing to change his schemes and adapt to his personnel.

More Raptors news

• Toronto assistant coach James Wade, who made his name as the head coach of the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, said a phone call with Masai Ujiri years ago established a strong relationship between the two. While he wasn’t actively looking to leave the NBA, those around him said this opportunity was too good to pass up.
• After the Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder squared off in Montreal, Raptors forward and Montreal native Chris Boucher again vouched for a team in the city. With how well the Vancouver game was received, the idea of a second Canadian team might be gaining steam.

NBA news

• Victor Wembanyama continued to show that he is indeed a generational talent, putting up 23 points on 10-15 shooting with three blocks as his San Antonio Spurs managed to come out on top against the reigning runners-up in the Miami Heat.
• James Harden made his situation with the Philadelphia 76ers even messier, as he has confirmed his relationship with Daryl Morey is beyond saving and further took aim at the team for refusing to grant his very public trade quest. Nick Nurse isn’t in an enviable position. 

Will Rajakovic help Young and the Raptors become a winner in his first season?

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