[Saba Sports News] The Toronto Raptors, experiencing a lackluster season, have found an unusual source of motivation from head coach Darko Rajakovic. With a middling 9-11 record in the first 20 games of the 2023-24 season and struggling to maintain a consistent winning streak, Rajakovic is taking a personal approach to inspire his team.
In an unconventional move, Rajakovic has promised a self-funded, all-expenses-paid team dinner if the Raptors can secure three consecutive wins. He clarified that this gesture would be entirely out of his pocket, addressing concerns raised by forward Pascal Siakam about potential reimbursement from the team.
Rajakovic shared his commitment with Sportsnet’s Michael Grange, joking about Siakam’s teasing remarks about his perceived thriftiness. The Raptors, with a favorable schedule featuring six of their next nine games at home, stand a good chance of triggering this unique incentive soon.
Rajakovic views the potential cost of a team dinner as a worthwhile investment for boosting team morale and performance. This initiative comes amidst Rajakovic’s involvement in a legal dispute with the New York Knicks, offering him a welcome distraction and an opportunity to bond with his team.