Date: November 18, 2025
Source: Hello and Welcome (YouTube)
Following Tuesday’s practice, Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković spoke about the team’s defensive transformation, the details behind the game-winning play against Charlotte, the impact of running two-point-guard lineups, why he challenged Jamal Shead to become the best on-ball defender in the league, Gradey Dick’s maturing role, Jama Mahlalela’s importance to the staff, and how Garrett Temple’s transition into coaching has begun.
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On the Team’s Defensive Transformation
“It’s the same team. It’s just the ability of our team to adapt to the reality of what’s going on out there. Different teams present different challenges. We’re trying to maximize what we have and the strengths of our guys and continue to push the envelope of our identity. I’m really happy where we’re at right now with protecting the paint and how we’re rebounding. All of that allows us to be more efficient on the offensive end.”
On the Biggest Defensive Adjustment
“We really focused on our transition defense. That was a big emphasis for us. In some situations it’s not realistic for us to get offensive rebounds — we need to get back, form the wall, and prevent teams from scoring. That was our weakness at the start of the season. We were getting beat too easy in open court.”
On the Game-Winning Layup by RJ Barrett vs. Charlotte
“It was a great play. We created an advantage on a post-up, made the extra pass, and the spacing was good. All of that allowed us to have an easy layup. RJ does a great job of reading the defense, playing off the ball, and being in the right spots.”
On Having Multiple Players Who Can Operate From the Post
“Post-up game is getting away from the NBA. Not a lot of teams are posting up. Everything starts with personnel. We have several guys who are good post-up players — not just to score, but to playmake. Scottie or BI had several post-ups where they were scoring but also finding open people for shots.”
On Running Two-Point-Guard Lineups
“Sometimes it comes out of necessity. Jamal is elite, and I’m continuing to talk to him about the importance of owning that he’s an elite on-ball defender. That’s a God-gift and he needs to take it to another level. I told him this morning: What prevents you from being the best on-ball defender in the league? Nothing. You’ve got to own it, want it, and master your craft. Having him on the floor relieves pressure from Quickley and allows Quickley to play off the ball. And defensively, those two guys are a defensive duo as well.”
On What Jamal Shead Must Do to Become the Best On-Ball Defender
“First is the desire to be recognized like that. It’s easier in this league to get attention for scoring or highlights. What makes the difference is winning plays — especially on the defensive end. That’s why Scottie Barnes is so important and why Jamal is so important. We have several young players trending that way. You have to want to do the hard work, master the film, learn the league, and understand tendencies. It’s hard work, but very rewarding work.”
On Gradey Dick’s Development
“I’m always asking for more from Gradey. He’s so talented. He can affect the game in many different ways. It’s for him to understand he’s very important to us and he’s going to have minutes. He’s learning to allow the game to come to him, not force things or try to prove everything right away. He’s relaxing on the court, knocking down shots, cutting, and being important in transition. It’s good to see him maturing in that role.”
On Assistant Coach Jama Mahlalela
“Jama is very, very important. He helps us in so many ways — day-to-day organization, offense, player development. He also keeps our coaching staff together. He’s always coming up with stuff for us to do as a coaching staff. He’s very important for us.”
On Garrett Temple’s Growing Role
“Garrett is slowly transitioning into a new career post-playing. It’s important for him to get exposed to different aspects of the game. After working the scout and presenting to our staff, he said he’s now looking at the game completely differently — rewinding, analyzing, understanding what it takes to be a coach.”
On Game Planning for High-Speed Guards Like Tyrese Maxey
“It has to be a team effort. It’s very hard for one player to do it for a whole game. He plays with a lot of pace and has great energy. You need multiple different players on him over the course of the game.”
Pulse Takeaway
Darko Rajaković highlighted the Raptors’ growing defensive identity, their improved transition discipline, and the team-oriented execution behind RJ Barrett’s game-winner. His most passionate message centered on Jamal Shead, challenging him to become the best on-ball defender in the league. Rajaković praised Gradey Dick’s maturity, Jama Mahlalela’s integral role on the staff, and Garrett Temple’s early steps toward coaching. With multiple young players trending upward, the Raptors’ evolving identity continues to sharpen.
Quotes from Darko Rajaković via Hello and Welcome (YouTube).
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
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