Darko Rajakovic stands firm: Quickley will find his stride
The Toronto Raptors are still finding their footing in the early stages of the regular season, and head coach Darko Rajakovic is looking to instill confidence in one of his key players, Immanuel Quickley. Despite a rocky start, Rajakovic is optimistic about Quickley’s potential to elevate his game as the season progresses.
Quickley’s Early Struggles
Immanuel Quickley, the 26-year-old Raptors point guard, is currently averaging 12.7 points and 6.3 assists per game. However, his shooting percentages—hovering just above 39% from the field and a concerning 28% from three-point range—have raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. While Quickley’s numbers might appear alarming, it’s important to remember that we are only a handful of games into the season.
Rajakovic’s Supportive Stance
In response to the criticisms surrounding Quickley, Rajakovic expressed unwavering support for the young guard. “We all know what kind of player he is,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of patience. “There is no secret formula. We’ve gotta take it one game at a time. I need to do a better job of building his confidence and making sure he knows how important he is. I think he’s going to be just fine.”
Rajakovic’s words reflect a coaching philosophy centered on developing players over time and recognizing their struggles as part of the journey.
Finding Offensive Flow
Despite Quickley’s personal challenges, the Raptors have shown glimpses of offensive prowess. Rajakovic noted the team’s ability to be aggressive offensively, particularly in transition. “We showed flashes of how we can score in transition,” he remarked prior to a recent victory against the Memphis Grizzlies. “We did a really good job of touching the paint, being aggressive, and scoring in the paint. One thing that’s true today is we’re second in sharing the ball. All of those are good and positive things.”
With contributions from players like Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and RJ Barrett, the Raptors are finding ways to secure wins even when Quickley is not at his best. This depth in talent allows the team to adapt and thrive in moments of individual struggle.
Looking Ahead
As the Raptors prepare to face Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks at home once again, Quickley will be seeking to regain his rhythm on the court. The matchup is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena, where fans will have the opportunity to see if Quickley can turn things around against a formidable opponent.
In the rapidly changing landscape of the NBA, every player faces their share of ups and downs. For Immanuel Quickley, the support from Rajakovic and the team could be the catalyst he needs to unlock his full potential as the season unfolds.
