TORONTO – A brand new-look Toronto Raptors workforce means turning a three-day break right into a mini-training camp.
The Raptors have launched 5 new gamers to their roster previously month, buying and selling for Canadian RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora and Kyra Lewis Jr. in two offers with the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers.
Head coach Darko Rajakovic mentioned on Wednesday that the mini-camp consists of the “Raptors 60,” which is 60 minutes of labor earlier than the precise observe begins.
“For among the new guys it was like ‘what is that this?’ so introducing them to that was crucial,” mentioned Rajakovic, standing courtside at OVO Athletic Centre. “Additionally observe right this moment was round an hour 10, hour 15.
“We have been in a position to do plenty of stuff offensively and defensively, we performed stay on the finish as properly simply to get these guys acclimated.”
Associated Movies
Ahead Scottie Barnes, who has turn into the main focus of Toronto’s offence since Pascal Siakam was traded to Indiana, mentioned “coaching camp 2.0” is much less about studying offensive and defensive schemes and extra about attending to know new teammates.
Get the newest Nationwide information.
Despatched to your e-mail, day-after-day.
“I really feel like these guys, they already know play basketball,” mentioned Barnes. “They know mix in and match themselves into the system.
“It’s just about simply studying every others’ video games and rising from there.”
The quasi-camp was made attainable by a quirk within the schedule. The Raptors misplaced to the visiting Memphis Grizzlies on Monday 108-100 and can host Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.
Tuesday was a “blackout day” the place gamers and coaches had the choice of resting, however Wednesday and Thursday are important preparation days. Following the sport in opposition to the Clippers, Toronto embarks on a six-game street journey that begins Sunday in Atlanta in opposition to the Hawks.
Barnes mentioned a part of the introductory course of is studying keep energetic for a full 48-minute recreation.
“Simply studying the proper method to play,” mentioned Barnes, who was named to the US’ 41-player Olympic pool on Tuesday. “I believe final recreation, we obtained a bit of stagnant on the market.
“Simply shoring it up, fixing that and getting by it, having that psychological toughness, it helps.”
Jontay Porter has been Toronto’s beginning centre whereas Jakob Poeltl recovers from an ankle damage. The 24-year-old Porter mentioned that the back-to-back days of observe have been useful as he will get used to a heavier workload on the court docket.
“Most groups have a full six weeks of coaching camp to get collectively and be taught one another’s recreation and all that,” mentioned Porter. “We’ve had two days in some situations to include Bruce Brown and all of them.
“Days like right this moment are going to be actually useful for us and who is aware of what’s going to return with our subsequent slate of video games, our subsequent street journey and all of that.”
Porter mentioned he’s certain of 1 factor, nevertheless.
“We’ll positively be a lot better teammates, we’ll be sharing the ball, studying one another’s tendencies and all that which generally results in success.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Jan. 24, 2024.
© 2024 The Canadian Press
