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Allen Graves has had a bit of a rough outing in the Raptors’ preseason games, but his coach sees things as going all according to plan.
In two games played, the forward has averaged just over 19 minutes of playing time, posting numbers of seven points, five and a half rebounds, and an assist and a steal a-piece per game. Less than stellar from a first round pick, especially considering that the scoring is being done at a clip of 25% accuracy, while shooting just over nine percent from three.
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Offensively, Graves has struggled, especially in his last game, where he was four for thirteen, and missed all five shots from three. However, the rookie can’t be faulted for what he’s doing: after all, he’s just following his coach’s directions.
On the 14th of October, Darko Rajaković was asked about Allen Graves’ feel for the game despite his inaccuracy (the night before, the forward had shot 16% from three). The coach’s response?
DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 16: Allen Graves #22 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons during a preseason game on October 16, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
“I don’t care if the shot is gonna fall or not.”
“He’s a great shooter,” Rajaković continued, intently. “I promise him this morning, the first time when I see him, that he does not take open shot when I see him, I’m going to sit him on the bench. It’s going to be simple as that.”
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It’s this type of confidence and championing of his players that has characterized Rajaković’s tenure as the Raptors’ head coach. This type of leadership and standing by players who are down can be instrumental in keeping a locker room united, but at the same time, the coach is not simply making a leap of blind faith.
“He’s a great shooter,” repeated Rajaković, as if…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/don-t-care-shot-gonna-123000880.html
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Publish date : 2026-10-18 12:30:00
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