Date: November 6, 2025
Source: Hello and Welcome (YouTube)
Following Thursday’s practice, Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković discussed Scottie Barnes’ defensive growth, Gradey Dick’s development on both ends, and the team’s overall chemistry during a road-heavy start to the season.
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On Scottie Barnes’ Defense
“He’s been doing it for a long time, so there’s not much new there on the defensive end. He’s just getting even more experienced — getting to know the league and tendencies of players even better. Scottie is a big part of our scouting preparation and always has great input. I really trust his input on how we can do better schemes or guard certain players and what works best for our team. It’s really good dialogue that we’re having, and he’s been doing an elite job.”
On Playing Smaller Lineups
“They are a little bit smaller by size, but not necessarily by what they can do and their strengths. Sandro is rebounding the ball really well for his position, as well as CMB. And with Scottie — we have a lot of those wings and power forwards who do a really good job with that. We’re trying to maximize their strengths and put them in situations to be successful.”
On Scottie’s Three-Point Improvements
“Mechanical adjustments — yes. I’m not going to tell you those trade secrets; they stay in-house.”
“Coach Jama is his lead assistant working with him, and Rob, our biomechanics coach, is really helping with that process as well.”
On Coach Ivo’s Role Developing Rookies
“It’s not about first-round picks — it’s about finding the best fit. Gradey, Ja’Kobe, now CMB — Coach Ivo does a really good job helping those guys adjust coming from college to the NBA. He has a great perspective because he’s coming from the college world, so he understands what those differences and changes are. It helps those guys speed up their process of adjustment.”
On Gradey Dick’s Growth
“From day one, we never thought Gradey was just a shooter. We believe he can do more on the court. What I’m really impressed with is how well he’s defending — he’s engaging himself when he checks in on the defensive end, and that helps him have more freedom on offense.”
“He’s doing an outstanding job offensive rebounding, cutting and moving, playing off the ball, running in transition, spacing the floor. He does so many things that help our team.”
On Offensive Principles Carrying Over
“That was a great possession — several closeouts that we created in one possession. Gradey attacked both with a jab step and drive, and Mamu and Brandon Ingram used a shot fake to create advantage. We were making quick decisions, one or two dribbles, up to the next action. Spacing was really good. That’s something that’s really hard to guard when you play to that standard.”
On Team Chemistry and Early Road Schedule
“I think it’s good for us early in the season because guys spend a lot of time around each other. It’s teaching us how to play on the road in some of those hostile environments. Thank God our guys are reacting really well — they like to be around each other, they like to compete, and their head is in the right place. That really helps.”
On Whether He Knows Onsi Saleh
“No.”
Pulse Takeaway
After practice, Darko Rajaković praised Scottie Barnes’ defensive leadership and attention to detail, while noting the collective growth of the Raptors’ young core. He emphasized the team’s adaptability with smaller lineups, the expanded games of Gradey Dick and Sandro Mamukelashvili, and the benefits of early-season road bonding for team chemistry.
Quotes from Darko Rajaković via Hello and Welcome (YouTube). Used for analysis and commentary.
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
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