Raptors’ Immanuel Quickley Shows Improvement Amid Coaching Confidence

Toronto, Canada – Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley is on the rise, slowly improving his shooting percentage despite initial struggles. The 23-year-old player is starting to find his rhythm after coach Darko Rajakovic encouraged him to increase his attempts from beyond the arc.

Rajakovic expressed disappointment after Quickley made only one of four three-point shots in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks last month. “He needs to shoot seven, eight threes a game,” the coach stated. “I know he’s going to make shots. He’s a great shooter.” Since then, Quickley has averaged 5.3 attempts per game. While results vary, he has been making progress.

In his last four outings, Quickley averaged two three-pointers made on five attempts, contributing significantly to Toronto’s three-game win streak. In the Raptors’ recent victory, he scored 13 points and delivered six assists with a 2-for-5 showing from deep.

Rajakovic reassured fans about Quickley’s potential, emphasizing, “In-house, we (know) what we’ve got in Quickley. There was no worry about him. He’s going to continue to get better.” These words reflect a growing faith that Quickley will regain his shooting form.

The Raptors have struggled with shooting accuracy in past seasons, finishing near the bottom in true shooting percentage. However, after their latest win, they ranked ninth in this category and fifth in three-point shooting percentage.

Quickley, a career 37 percent shooter from three, currently sits at 28 percent for the season, but he is not alone in his efforts. Toronto’s players are collectively shooting better, with at least eight averaging over one three-pointer per game, including promising rookie Collin Murray-Boyles and new backup center Sandro Mamukelashvili.

Rajakovic has encouraged Mamukelashvili to shoot freely, stating that hard work is valued more than merely making shots. As the Raptors continue their season, they focus not only on boosting their offensive game but also on tightening their defense, which currently allows opponents to shoot 49 percent from the field.