Raptors Coach Explains Meaning Behind 'Win the Day' Chain, Says 'Upgrades' Are Coming
Changes are coming to the Toronto Raptors so-called ‘Win The Day’ chain in the not-to-distant future.
The chain, a massive gold necklace, designed by Raptors assistant coaches Felicia Brown and Jama Mahlalela, has grown into a symbol of this new era of Raptors basketball. It’s an award given out by Toronto’s head coach Darko Rajaković to the player who most embodies the team’s culture.
“It’s not necessarily the best player,” Rajaković said Tuesday after awarding the chain to Chris Boucher for his effort off the bench in Monday’s come-from-behind victory over the Washington Wizards. “We just want to acknowledge special contributions to our culture and identity.
The award doesn’t always have to go to a player, Rajaković added. At one point the team thought about awarding it to one of the assistant coaches who correctly told Rajaković to challenge a crucial call earlier this year. It’s anyone who embodies what the Raptors want to be all about this season.
“I wanted to do it from the start (of the year),” Rajaković said. “Just with the idea to promote our culture and identity and what we want to do. I've found it's a nice way to celebrate a team, a person, a contribution.”
The chain is only awarded after wins and not given out following practices. Toronto has in the past given out a WWE-like belt to players following successful training camp practices. It doesn’t appear as though Toronto is given out any special awards during practice this year.
As for what to expect moving forward, it sounds like the chain is going to undergo some upgrades. It currently has a large Raptors logo with the words “win the day” written on the bottom.
“Let's keep it a little bit under mystery here,” Rajaković said of what’s coming next.
