Darko Rajakovic Gushes Over Newfound Consistency of Toronto Raptors Rookie

Shead undoubtedly had the best game of the bunch. The Raptors backup point guard stepped in for 12 points, four assists, two rebounds, and two steals off the bench. Shead displayed some strong efficiency in the process too, shooting 4-of-8 from the field and 2-of-5 from beyond the arc.

Rajakovic was asked about his rookies at the postgame press conference. In Shead's case, the Raptors coach highlighted one specific aspect as the key for his strong performance.

 "Jamal is very consistent for us now on both ends of the floor," Rajakovic told the media. "[I'm] really proud of all of our young guys that everybody came off the bench." 

Shead has been carving out a role and minutes for himself all season with his defense. The key development for him has been catching up to the level of which offense is played in the NBA.

"That's what he [Rajakovic] preached from day one with me. If I was going to be in that backup point guard role, I need to be consistent in just my effort. Every game is not going to go great, but just being out there and giving my all, being out there trying to be a leader and just playing hard, I can do that. So I'm glad he said that about me, but it's my job to keep that going."

-Jamal Shead

Shead has averaged 6.7 points, 3.8 assists, while shooting 42.9 percent from the field and 32.1 percent from 3-point land in his last 10 games. The Raptors' backup point guard should continue to have every opportunity to grow after the departure of Davion Mitchell before the NBA Trade Deadline.