Raptors News: New home for Gary Trent, Vezenkov update, Jontay denied

Point of Attack

One day after Masai Ujiri went on the Summer League telecast to discuss the team, head coach Darko Rajakovic did the same to discuss how the team wants to play this season. One area he hit on multiple times and in some detail was the need to improve the team's on-ball defense.

At times last season the Raptors essentially had two backline defenders in Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl and a series of revolving doors on the perimeter waving to opposing players as they drove unimpeded into the paint. Rajakovic revealed that the team has been focusing on their on-ball defense specifically in summer practices.

That lines up with the moves the team has made this summer. They traded for Davion Mitchell, known as "Off Night" for his lockdown on-ball defense, then drafted a high-upside defensive wing in Ja'Kobe Walter and the best defensive guard in the draft in Jamal Shead. The Raptors identified a weakness and are addressing it both via coaching and roster construction.

What's Next?

The Toronto Raptors are back in action today against the Utah Jazz at 5:00 PM ET in their third Summer League game, looking to stay undefeated in the desert. They will then face the Miami Heat on Friday night at 9:00 PM ET.