Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic said the team must improve after their 2024 playoff exit concluded on Sunday [4].

This assessment comes as the franchise seeks to transition from a rebuilding phase to a consistent contender. By identifying the remaining growth potential in star players, Rajakovic is setting the expectations for the team's trajectory in the coming year.

Rajakovic focused on the development of Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram during the press conference in Toronto. He said that the current performance of his key players does not yet represent their ceiling. "This is not the best version of Scottie that we're gonna see," Rajakovic said [1].

The coach said that the team exceeded external expectations during the season. While preseason predictions suggested the Raptors would win around 30 games [3], the team finished with a regular-season record of 46-36 [1]. This performance secured the team a fifth seed in the playoffs [1].

Despite the successful regular season, Rajakovic said that the team cannot remain stagnant. He said that the organization must find ways to evolve to compete at a higher level. "We have to level up as a team," Rajakovic said [3].

The coach also addressed the mentality required for the players during the break. He said he rejected the idea of a traditional period of rest, emphasizing a continuous cycle of improvement. "There is no off-season," Rajakovic said [2].

By focusing on the upside of Barnes and Ingram, Rajakovic is signaling that the Raptors' current core is the foundation for future success. The emphasis on "leveling up" suggests a strategic shift toward maximizing the efficiency of these individual talents to improve the collective output of the roster.

“"This is not the best version of Scottie that we're gonna see."”

The Raptors' transition from a 30-win projection to a 5th seed indicates a significant jump in competitive viability. By publicly stating that his primary stars have not yet reached their peak, Rajakovic is managing expectations while creating a roadmap for growth that relies on player development rather than immediate roster overhaul.