Rajaković Rising as a Coach of the Yr Contender
The Toronto Raptors’ 10–5 begin has reshaped expectations within the Jap Convention. Sitting second behind Detroit, Toronto has seemed deeper, extra cohesive, and extra disciplined than in earlier seasons. A lot of that turnaround factors instantly to go coach Darko Rajaković.
Rajaković took over within the 2023 offseason and endured two tough years, ending 25–57 and 30–52. His third season has been a whole reversal. Toronto’s offense flows with goal, and the protection has taken a major step ahead. Based on ESPN, Rajaković at the moment sits tied for the fourth-best odds to win Coach of the Yr.
The award doesn’t all the time go to the coach with the league’s greatest document. It usually acknowledges the coach who elevates a roster past expectations. If the Raptors preserve this tempo and end with 50 or extra wins — a milestone they’re at the moment monitoring towards — Rajaković’s case will probably be tough to miss.
‘Coach of the Yr candidate’: Zach Lowe praises Raptors’ Darko Rajakovic https://t.co/0d1zxdi4iH
— Raptors Republic (@raptorsrepublic) November 18, 2025
Barnes Constructing an Plain Defensive Participant of the Yr Résumé
Scottie Barnes has additionally performed himself into early honors consideration. His two-way impression has been large, and his defensive manufacturing stands out leaguewide. Barnes is averaging 19.2 factors, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, however his defensive numbers could also be much more spectacular: 1.4 steals and 1.7 blocks per recreation.
Barnes is the one participant this season averaging not less than 1.4 steals and greater than 1.5 blocks per contest. He additionally sits inside the highest ten in defensive win shares and defensive field plus/minus. These metrics assist what the attention check already exhibits — Barnes has turn into one of many league’s most versatile and disruptive defenders.
The Defensive Participant of the Yr race usually runs by Victor Wembanyama, who stays the favourite when wholesome. Nonetheless, Wembanyama should attain the 65-game minimal to qualify. If accidents stop that for a second straight 12 months, Barnes may discover a actual opening.
Toronto nonetheless has a lot to show, and each races will rely upon consistency. However by the primary month of the season, the Raptors have quietly positioned themselves to convey dwelling extra than simply playoff hopes.
