By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
After three years with the New York Knicks, the Toronto Raptors created a new environment for Immanuel Quickley.
Over his first two appearances after being traded to the lone NBA franchise located in Canada, he produced 20.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.5 blocks per contest. The Raptors winning both games adds to a brilliant start. However, advice from Serbian tactician Darko Rajakovic during the game versus the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on Wednesday was particularly unexpected.
“He pulled me aside while the game was going on and said, ‘You’re not having fun. Have fun,’” revealed the Kentucky product, “I have never really had a coach do that. He told me that. Then I started skipping.”
Set to become a restricted free agent this summer, Quickley has been impressed by the Raptors.
“The whole organization has made it really easy, to be honest,” he said. “Family-environment, the way the guys have accepted me, showing me different things, coaches, trainers, everybody, top to bottom and this is a top tier organization. So it makes it really easy for me to be honest, the basketball part.”
This one tonight goes to Quick 💨
Open Gym: Moment presented by @Bell pic.twitter.com/txb2UAgcY2
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 4, 2024
“He fits great. It is just a point guard, a guard that can do so much with the ball. His shooting is really something that makes a difference for us,” Rajakovic commented on his player, “Teams are constantly going over on him which just creates opportunities everywhere on the floor.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images