What the Toronto Raptors need in their new head coach

By Jordan Ketler June 2, 2023 36 mins read 160 Views

NBA Finals' lessons: Raptors know what they need in their new head coach

When it comes to winning in the NBA, having a great team is only half the battle. The other half? Having a great coach.

Take a cue from the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat. They have some of the best players in the league, but they also have exceptional coaching staffs that have helped guide those players to become conference champions. Soon, one of those teams will hoist the 2023 NBA title. One thing is for sure that the right coach can turn a good team into a championship-calibre one.

It's not just about knowing the X's and O's of the game. A great coach understands how to motivate and inspire their players, and how to adapt their strategies to win against any opponent. They're able to identify each player's strengths and weaknesses and use that knowledge to build a cohesive and effective team.

The Raptors can learn a valuable lesson from these top teams - invest in coaching. With a strong coach behind them, even a good team can become a great one. It's time to elevate the game and take the Raptors to new heights.

What the Toronto Raptors need in their new head coach

A coach with great adjustability and versitiitiliy

Winning championships is not just about having the most skilled players on your team. It's about having a coach who can lead them to victory.

The Miami Heat, a team once thought to have no chance, showed us the power of coaching with the leadership of Erik Spoelstra. He has an impressive ability to make adjustments and bring out the best in his players.

Adjustment is the name of the game, and Spoelstra excels at it. Meanwhile, Nick Nurse is the true example of a coach who once had it but failed to keep up with the ever-changing NBA landscape.

Another key to winning in basketball, my dear friend, is versatility. You must be able to adapt and adjust your playstyle based on the situation at hand. The Heat and Nuggets have already shown they have this skill, and it's one of the reasons why they've succeeded in the playoffs.

The Raptors, too, have shown they can change things up when needed. And their new coach must continue to foster this spirit of adaptability that starts from the top; Masai is a living example of that.

Flexibility separates the experts from the amateurs, the professionals from the amateurs, the consultants from the clowns, and the specialists from the slackers. It's not enough to be good at one style of play. You must be able to switch things up on the fly to be ready for anything.

What the Toronto Raptors need in their new head coach

A coach who values team culture

The most successful teams aren’t just a collection of talented individuals. They’re groups of people working towards a common goal who believe in the same values and put in the same effort.

For the Miami Heat, that meant building a team culture prioritizing hard work, discipline, and accountability. And it’s working. They’re one of the most well-rounded and cohesive teams in the league.

The Toronto Raptors have also found success by building a strong team culture. Under former coaches Dwayne Casey and Nick Nurse, they’ve prioritized hard work, trust, and communication.

But culture isn’t something that just happens. Let's not forget that the Raptors have that!!!

It takes effort and intention to create a shared vision and values and to hold everyone accountable to them. That’s why it’s so important for the Raptors to find a coach who can continue to foster that culture. Someone who understands and believes in the values that have made the team successful. Because when everyone is working towards the same goal and on the same page, anything is possible.

But it’s not just about having a strong culture. It’s about keeping it alive, even as the team changes and grows.

That means holding onto those core values, even as new players come and go. And it means continuing to prioritize hard work and discipline, even when success comes easy.

Because a winning culture isn’t just about what happens on the court. It’s about everything that happens behind the scenes, in the locker room and in practice.

What the Toronto Raptors need in their new head coach

A coach with an emphasis on player development

It’s not just about winning now, it’s about building a team that can win for years to come. And that starts with player development.

You can’t just rely on seasoned veterans to carry the load. The best teams are the ones that have a combination of experience and youth.

Look at the Heat and the Nuggets in front of your eyes. They’ve been able to develop young talent into key contributors.

Developing players takes time and effort but is worth it in the long run.

The new coach should prioritize player development because that’s how you build a sustainable team.

It’s not just about getting the most out of your stars, it’s about getting the most out of everyone on the roster.

You never know who’s going to emerge as the next superstar.

It could be someone like Bam Adebayo or Tyler Herro, both developed by the Heat.

Or it could be someone like Jamal Murray or Nikola Jokic, both developed by the Nuggets.

And let’s not forget about the Raptors, who developed Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet into impact players.

The point is, player development should not be overlooked.

It’s not just a side project, it should be a core part of the team’s strategy.

Because if you don’t develop players, you’re just treading water.

And in today’s NBA, that’s not enough.

You need to be constantly improving and evolving if you want to stay competitive.

So let’s focus on player development and watch as the next generation of stars emerges.

What the Toronto Raptors need in their new head coach

Raptors' slow and unique approach to hiring the next coach

When it comes to finding the best, the Raptors are playing a different game entirely. They take their time and go through a rigorous selection process. It may be slow and steady, but it's ultimately worth it.

Rumors have been flying around about the three final contenders: Jordi Fernandez, Sergio Scariolo and Darko Rajakovic.

But it's not just about finding the best candidate, it's about finding the perfect fit for the team. A coach who will bring in fresh perspectives and challenge the players to be better than they ever imagined.

It's not just about finding someone who can lead a team to victory, it's about finding a coach who can inspire and motivate the players to become the best they can be both on and off the court.

Masai and Bobby know that the right coach can make all the difference in the world. They are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that they find someone who will take the team to the next level.

After all, the Raptors are not just looking for a coach - they're looking for a leader who will instill a sense of pride and passion in the team and the fans. Something that it was taken away from us last year.

So, while the coach search may be slow and steady, it's definitely worth the wait. The Raptors are dedicated to finding the best of the best.

Scariolo is a well-known name in the Raptors organization. He’s already served as an assistant coach and the successful head coach of the Spanish national team. His experience and leadership skills could be a great asset to the team.

Rajakovic, on the other hand, is an expert in player development. He’s spent nine seasons as an NBA assistant coach with the Grizzlies, Suns, and Thunder. His focus on developing players could help take the Raptors to the next level.

Then there’s Fernandez, who has the support of Raptors Twitter users. Fans are excited about his blend of Rajakovic’s development skills and Scariolo’s offensive strategies. He could bring a fresh perspective and approach to the court.

What the Toronto Raptors need in their new head coach

Fernandez also coached the G League's Canton Charge, winning 62 games in two seasons. He spent six seasons as an assistant coach under Mike Malone with the Denver Nuggets and has a history of working with big men who excel in passing, such as Nikola Jokic and Domantas Sabonis. Christian Koloko could certainly benefit vastly in his second year in the league.

Fernandez's defined philosophy and pursuit of sports psychology could potentially solve Toronto's stylistic issue from the past few seasons, and his hiring as a basketball therapist could improve the locker room vibes. Similar to Nick Nurse, Fernandez was previously unknown, but his potential to bring Brown's Kings offense to the team could be a game-changer.

While none of the three have prior NBA head coaching experience, the Raptors are reportedly confident in building a winner around any of them. Experience isn’t everything. Sometimes it’s about building a winning team with fresh perspectives. Sometimes, change is exactly what’s needed to take it to the next level. They may not have prior NBA head coaching experience, but that doesn’t mean they lack the skills to lead and innovate.

It’s about finding the right fit for the team, and not just in terms of experience. And with the potential trades of Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, the Raptors are ready to shake things up and take risks. Sometimes the biggest risks lead to the biggest rewards, and the Raptors are willing to take that chance. It’s all about creating a team that adapts and thrives.

So while some may doubt the Raptors, We, the true Raptors fans, are confident in their ability to build a team that can compete at the highest level. Mark my words: "In 2023, the Toronto Raptors will be the team to watch as we regain our winning culture one day at a time.

Let's go the North!!!

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the Raptors win in 2019 the NBA title?

DeMar DeRozan (Toronto Raptors), Jakob Poltl as well as a protected 2019 first round draft pick were traded to the San Antonio Spurs by the Toronto Raptors on July 18, 2018.

On February 7, 2019, the Raptors traded Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright C. J. Miles and a 2024 second-round pick from the draft to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Marc Gasol, another multiple All-Star and former Defensive Players of the Year. Jeremy Lin was signed shortly thereafter.

The Toronto Raptors had an exciting offseason. They made two major trades that shocked the NBA. DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poltl and a 2019 first round draft pick (that was not protected) were first traded by the Raptors to the San Antonio Spurs. In exchange, they got Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green (Spurs). Then they traded Jonas Valanciunas to the Spurs and Delon WrightC.J. Miles, along with a 2024 second-round selection to the Memphis Grizzlies, were traded to Marc Gasol--another All-Star and former Defender of the Year. These trades put the Raptors in an excellent position to contend for an NBA championship this season. Let's examine each trade.

Kawhi Leonard's trade was a risk-reward deal for the Raptors. Leonard is an MVP-caliber player when healthy, and he's a top-5 player in league. But, injury limited Leonard to just 9 games last season, and there are doubts about his long term health. The Raptors decided that the reward outweighed the risk and made the deal. Leonard has been performing at an All-Star level so far. He has been in good health. Leonard averages 26 points and 8 rebounds per game. He also shoots 49% from behind the arc and 38% at three-point range. If he can keep his health, he will give the Raptors a real shot at winning the NBA title.

The trade for Marc Gasol was more of a short-term move than anything else. Gasol is well into his 30s and clearly is past his prime. He is still a great player and brings valuable experience to the young Raptors team. He averages 15 points and 8 rebounds per game. He also shoots 34% from three point range. C.J., Delon Wright and other young talents were given up by the Raptors. Miles was acquired by Gasol. However, the Raptors believe his expertise will prove to be valuable during playoffs.

The Raptors started the season with a 6-0 record. They won their 16th game against Cleveland Cavaliers on November 23rd. This broke their franchise record of 20 consecutive wins. On December 1, they reached 20 wins faster than ever before. Also, after defeating Washington Wizards 140-138 in double overtime on January 13, the Raptors set a franchise record for scoring the most points in franchise history. To prevent Leonard's injury from getting worse, the Raptors rested him for 20 more games. However, they managed to capture 2nd place in East, only trailing behind Milwaukee Bucks.

The Raptors continued to be successful in the playoffs. They beat the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, and Milwaukee Bucks to make it to the NBA Finals for first time in their history. Leonard was named Finals MVP and the Raptors won their first title against the Golden State Warriors in game 6.

The Toronto Raptors' offseason was a success, and it has paid off. The Raptors will be contenders for many years with two All-Stars. They have proven they can take risks and make bold moves when it comes down to building a championship-caliber team. It will be interesting for the future to see how they maintain their success.

What was the Raptors best year?

The 2019 NBA Championship season was the Toronto Raptors best year. The Raptors' first NBA Championship was memorable. Kawhi Leonard was named Finals MVP after the team posted a record of 58-24 during the regular season. They defeated the Golden State Warriors in six games to take home the title.

The Toronto Raptors made a change in 2013 when they replaced Bryan Colangelo (then general manager) with Masai Ujiri. This was a major change for the franchise, and would lead to a new era that would see them one of the most successful teams in the NBA.

The Raptors experienced a revival under Ujiri. They reached the playoffs for the first-time since 2008, and were back in the top five Divisions. They have won five Division titles since then. Their most successful regular season was in 2018. Ujiri was also able to make a risky yet successful trade that sent DeMar DeRozan from the San Antonio Spurs to get Kawhi Leonard.

The Raptors had a fantastic 2019, clinching their first conference championship and making it to the NBA finals for the inaugural time. In total, they beat the Golden State Warriors six times.

Ujiri's tenure with the Raptors has been a resounding success, and he should be credited with changing the team's fortunes. He has led the Raptors to become one of NBA's best teams and looks poised for continued success.

The 2019 championship season will be remembered as one the greatest years in Raptors history.

Ujiri as well as the Toronto Raptors must continue to build a culture that supports their players, staff and players. With continued dedication to excellence, the future looks bright for this team. The 2019 championship season has set the bar for Toronto Raptors, and it's up to Ujiri and his team to continue building on this success.

Who owns the Toronto Raptors?

The team is owned by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE). MLSE also holds the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs and MLS's Toronto FC. It also owns the CFL's Toronto Argonauts and the AHL's Toronto Marlies.

Who are the top five per-game scorers in the Raptor's history?

Kawhi Leonard is the most prolific scorer of the team with 26.6 per game. Vince Carter follows with 23.4, Mike James (with 20.3), Chris Bosh (20.2), and DeMar DeRozan (20.2).

Why is Toronto Raptors called Raptors

In 1995, the NBA expanded into Canada and created the Toronto Raptors. The team's name and logo were inspired by the film Jurassic Park, released that same year. The team colors are bright red, silver, purple, black and silver.

The Raptors were struggling to establish themselves in the league during their first season. They ended up with a record 21-61. However, the team improved each year, and by 1999, they had made their first playoff appearance.

The Raptors' most memorable moment was in 2019, when they won the NBA championship title. Toronto won their first title in thrilling six-game series against Golden State Warriors under the leadership of Kawhi and Kyle Lowry, the Raptors' backcourt duo.

The Raptors have been one of Canada's most beloved teams since that time. From international superstars to homegrown talents, Toronto continues to bring excitement to basketball fans around the world.

Canada's proud heritage is represented by the Toronto Raptors. Their success on the courts inspires young basketball players all over the country. They will remain one of Canada's most loved teams with their passionate fans, their unique style of play and commitment to excellence.

When was the Raptors first ever playoff win?

Toronto won their first-ever playoff series as they defeated New York 3-2 in 2001, advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time in franchise history under head coach Lenny Wilkens.

Statistics

As predicted by analysts, the team easily secured a berth in the 2001 NBA playoffs with a franchise-high 47 wins. (en.wikipedia.org)
By 2018, estimated the Raptors were worth $1.4 billion, 12th in the NBA. (en.wikipedia.org)
By 2018, estimated the Raptors were worth $1.4 billion, 12th in the NBA. (en.wikipedia.org)
In November of the 1996–97 season, Bitove sold his ownership interest in the team to Slaight for $65 million after Slaight had activated a shotgun clause in their partnership agreement,[32][33] giving Slaight 79 percent control of the team, [34] (en.wikipedia.org)
After Thomas attempted to execute a letter of intent with Slaight to purchase the team failed, he resigned from his position in November and sold his 9 percent stake in the team to Slaight. (en.wikipedia.org)

External Links

How To

Tips on Where to Eat Before the Toronto Raptors Game at Scotiabank Arena

Avoiding eating before a game is the best thing to do. You will find plenty of food in the arena, so if hunger strikes after arriving, you can get some.

Concessions and stands are available along the concourse. Some places offer beer only, while others offer hot dogs and pizza, as well as burgers.

One of the most popular options is the concession stand that serves nachos. These cheesy snacks come with toppings like jalapenos and cheese sauce.

You could also purchase tickets to a party before the game. These parties can be hosted at many restaurants so guests can enjoy food or drinks before heading to the arena.

The arena is near a barbeque joint that offers great local food. The menu offers pulled pork sandwiches, chicken wings, and ribs.

Many fast food chains can be found nearby, such as Subway, Tim Hortons, and McDonald's.

You can find healthy restaurants within walking distance for those who want to avoid greasy foods. Freshii is an example of a noteworthy restaurant. This chain is known for its fresh salads, wraps, and organic food.

You can also choose from juice bars or sushi bars.

There are many coffee shops and frozen yogurt parlours located just across the street, if you want to grab something to eat instead of a cup of coffee.

No matter what you're craving, there are plenty of places to eat before and during the Toronto Raptors game. Make sure to leave yourself enough time to get through security and find your seat!

Have fun cheering for your home team! And thanks for reading! Go Raptors! Enjoy the game!