The Toronto Raptors have had a tough time of things since winning the NBA championship with a 4-2 series victory over the Golden State Warriors in 2018/19.
They have missed out on the play-offs in four of the subsequent six seasons, and not much was expected of them heading into the 2025/26 campaign.
However, head coach Darko Rajakovic has triggered a revival in his third season with the team, sparking talk that they could secure a play-off place.
Kenny Atkinson praised Rajakovic after his Cleveland Cavaliers team were defeated 126-113 by the Raptors at the Rocket Arena last week.
“Their offense is improved, top-ten in the league – they’re definitely pushing the ball more, playing off their defence more,” Atkinson said.
“Defensively, what stands out is their pressure – can you get the ball over halfcourt against these guys? It’s 48 minutes of hell – like those Arkansas teams in the 1990s.
“It’s very similar to that, I love it. Darko is doing a hell of a job creating an identity and getting their major players to buy in.
“You can have any style of play you want to play, but getting guys like BI (Brandon Ingram) and RJ (RJ Barrett) to buy in – that’s a real credit to their coaching staff and their players.”
The Raptors’ resurgence this season has been fuelled heavily by Scottie Barnes, who is finally beginning to show why they selected him fourth in the 2021 NBA draft.
Barnes was a standout performer against the Cavaliers, weighing in with 28 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and five blocks.
He has forged a productive relationship with Ingram, and their link-up play will likely be pivotal to the Raptors’ hopes of progressing to the post-season.
They are helping the Raptors improve in several key metrics, including three-point attempts and three-point accuracy.
However, the most crucial improvement is in the number of turnovers per game. The Raptors committed the fifth-most last season – they have tallied the fifth-fewest this term.
Given the Raptors’ relatively inexperienced roster, their ability to retain possession under pressure is an impressive trait.
The Raptors are also not overly reliant on their big hitters – a factor which was perfectly evidenced in their recent 129-111 road victory over the Indiana Pacers.
Their second unit was the difference-maker in Indianapolis, which Rajakovic was eager to highlight after the game.
“I’m speaking a lot about our second unit, and our second unit outside of Sandro (Mamukelashvili), everybody is in their first, second, or third year,” Rajakovic said.
“Everybody is so young, and thank God those guys have amazing talent. They’re gelling really well as a group. They’re improving, and they’re all so very, very ambitious. They’re hard workers. They are coming to every game ready to compete.”
With an impressive group of starters backed by a solid bench, the Raptors have a well-balanced roster that can be competitive on any given night.
While it would be unrealistic to think that the team is ready to challenge for an NBA title just yet, they are clearly heading in the right direction under Rajakovic.
