Move 1 - Keep and Extend Darko Rajakovic as Head Coach
Darko Rajakovic reacts during Raptors-Cavaliers playoff game
Darko Rajakovic reacts during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference First Round in Cleveland. Source: Jason Miller/Getty Images
In my opinion one of the coaches of the season, Darko Rajaković enjoyed the most successful campaign of his NBA coaching career in 2025/26.
The Serbian native coached his Toronto Raptors team past their pre-season expectations and then some as they finished the regular season with a 46-36 record, good enough for the 5th seeded in the Eastern Conference.
Despite eventually falling short in a Game 7 against a star-studded Cleveland Cavaliers team, the achievement of reaching the post season for the first time in four years is something Rajaković should be given serious credit for.
Darko Rajakovic follows the play during Raptors playoff Game 6
Rajakovic during Game 6 of the First Round at Scotiabank Arena. Source: Cole Burston/Getty Images
It has recently surfaced that the Canadian website ‘sportsnet.ca’ have learned that a group of the higher ups inside the Raptors organisation are reportedly “Extremely Satisfied” with the progress of the 47 year-old’s development and its not hard to see why.
Rajaković’s well drilled and intelligent game plans work perfectly with the likes of Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley who can use their elite feel and speed to implement the Serbian’s ideas to a T.
Move 2 - Attempt to Trade Jakob Poeltl
Jakob Poeltl dunks for the Toronto Raptors
Jakob Poeltl dunks for the Toronto Raptors against the Brooklyn Nets at Scotiabank Arena. Source: Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images
Only four days after their long term Vice Chair and President Masai Ujiri was let go from the remainder of his deal, the make-shift Raptors front office acted quickly to make their mark ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft and the upcoming season.
They secured a four year contract extension for their starting center, Jakob Poeltl who signed a bumper deal worth over $25 million dollars per year making him one the highest paid big’s in the NBA.
Following on from the Austrian averaging career highs in minutes played, rebounds and points during the 2024-25 season, the Raptors felt they couldn’t let the big-man leave and decided to throw a huge deal on the table to secure his future in Canada.
Despite the Raptors dramatically improving on the court, Poeltl’s production unfortunately went in the opposite direction.
Jakob Poeltl poses with Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 23, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
The Austrian did suffer with Injuries especially through the festive period but a drop from 14.5 to 10.7 points per game alongside similar decreases in every available statistic doesn’t look good and it got even worse when the post season came around.
Poeltl played in all seven showdowns of the Cavaliers series but his outlay shrunk even more as he but up just 7 points and 7 rebounds while being widely ineffective especially on the defensive side of the ball.
In Game 2 in particular, the Center struggled massively and only got nine minutes of burn as it appeared Rajaković couldn’t trust his ‘starting big’ when it mattered the most.
If at all possible, Toronto should explore the opportunity to move on from Poeltl and as they have full control of their own first round picks until 20232. If the franchise sees fit, they could even attach one of their firsts to the Austrian to attract potential suitors into absorbing his hefty deal.
Move 3 - Land a True 'Big' to pair with Collin Murray-Boyles at Pick #19
Collin Murray-Boyles #12 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket against Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers CLECAV during Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 1, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
The emergence of the #9 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Colin Murray-Boyles during the regular and post season was a real delight for the Raptors faithful.
The 20-year-old forward averaged 13.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks during the series against the Cavaliers.
The former South Carolina Star really shone in Game 6 when he had 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting, 5 made free throws, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 steals in 40 minutes off the bench. Showcasing his elite physicality and feel for the game while being crucial in his team’s ability to force their higher seeded opponents into a Game 7.
Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers attempts a shot against Collin Murray-Boyles #12 of the Toronto Raptors during the third quarter in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Rocket Arena on May 03, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
With Murray-Boyles looking like a defensive cornerstone for the future and the aforementioned struggles of Jakob Poeltl. The welcomed edition of the #20 overall pick in the extremely talented upcoming 2026 NBA Draft comes at the perfect time for Toronto.
As Murray-Boyles is most comfortable at the 4 spot mostly due to his slightly undersized 6ft8 frame, the direction that I would go in is the way of a true big who can compliment CMB’s skillset with rim protection and most importantly size.
Some of the premier center options like Michigan’s towering 7ft3 Aday Mara and the German all-rounder Hannes Steinbach will both most likely be off the board at the spot Toronto are selecting at but there is one player In this range that ticks the majority of the boxes.
UNC’s dominant transfer Center, Henri Veesaar.
Henri Veesaar #13 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts in the second half against the VCU Rams during the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Veesaar is a skilled, mobile 7-footer with intriguing stretch potential and natural offensive feel. He moves with fluidity and coordination, running the floor well and covering ground on defense with ease. Offensively, he has a smooth touch from mid-range with the foundation of a perimeter jumper, making him a capable pick-and-pop or trail-three option.
The Estonian’s size and mobility show his very real potential, but improving his strength, assertiveness, and rebounding will be essential to unlocking his full value.
If Veesaar develops to become more physical and consistent as a shooter, he has the tools to grow into a versatile frontcourt piece who can space the floor, defend in rotation, and thrive in team-oriented offensive systems exactly what Toronto are crying out for at the five spot.
Move 4 - Start and Utilise JaKobe Walter
Ja'Kobe Walter #14 of the Toronto Raptors reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers CLECAV during Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 1, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
Despite an up and down first two years in the NBA, JaKobe Walter had a breakout series against Cleveland where the 21 year old became a true starter and even dropped 24 points in his sides overtime comeback in Game 6.
One of Walter’s biggest strengths is his defense. He works hard on every possession, stays active on the perimeter, and is willing to guard tough opponents. His athleticism allows him to contest shots and help the Raptors play with more dynamism. It was clear that Rajaković valued Walter massively down the stretch and his motor and willingness to learn is a big reason to why.
The former Baylor Guard’s improvement during the second half of last season was especially impressive. Over his final 25 games, Walter averaged over 10 points per game while shooting 40% from three and 89% from the free-throw line. Those numbers show he became more comfortable and efficient as his Sophomore season progressed.
Still so early in his career and showing flashes like he did at the back end of last season, it seems like the sky really is the limit for Walter so more minutes and in turn an uptick in responsibility seems like the next sensible step for the Raptors.