Raptors Coach Darko Rajaković Says He Loves Getting Involved in Practice to Build Up 'Sweat Equity' With Players
A layer of sweat glistened from Darko Rajaković’s face as he spoke to the media Friday afternoon following practice in Boston. He didn’t quite look like a player, dripping with sweat following another long practice, but for a head coach, Rajaković’s appearance was unusual.
Even in his first year as the head coach of the Toronto Raptors, Rajaković still can’t shed his assistant coach tendencies. He’s not just going to oversee practice, standing in the middle of the court with a whistle, and managing his team. Rather, Rajaković gets involved, throwing kick-out passes and trying to work with his players through basketball drills.
“That’s what I really love about this game,” Rajaković told reporters in Boston. “I love being with guys on the floor and being there with them, trying to get sweat equity with them and just being involved in their development and everything. I love doing that part. I wish I could do it with them before the game, every game to be around the players and touch them up.”
On Wednesday, it was Gary Trent Jr. who was working with Rajaković during the open portion of practice. Rajaković threw passes to the Raptors’ sixth man as he worked on his three-point shooting with Rajaković occasionally closing out to contest Trent’s shots.
“I kind of like go by feel and see where I can jump in and where I can help,” Rajaković said. “I'm definitely trying to connect with all the guys if not daily, but weekly, you know, just get a chance to talk to each of them.”
Rajaković ability to connect with players was a big reason Toronto hired him to replace Nick Nurse this past summer. By the end of last year, Nurse's voice had grown tiring and the Raptors wanted someone who could better relate to the younger generation.
It's still early in the season but so far the reviews have been overwhelmingly positive when it comes to Rajaković's approach with players. He's honest and direct in his communication with his team and the fact that he has built up that sweat equity, as he called it, has created a level of mutual respect that should bode well for the Raptors if and when trouble hits at some point this year.
