Before a recent game against the Celtics, head coach Sam Mitchell explained to the media about how Will Solomon has been given a “block” of games to open the season as the back-up point guard but Roko Ukic will be given the same opportunity in the near future. With both players relatively new to the NBA, the coaching staff decided the best way to let both player grow and not worry about making mistakes is to ease both players into their roles.

“We’re going to give Roko (Ukic) a shot,” Mitchell told the media before a game against Boston. “You have to be patient and give guys a chance to learn how to play. But when you’re playing, you have to understand you’re going to make mistakes, but the mistakes you’re going to make have to be made while being aggressive.”

Turns out the near future was later that afternoon as Ukic was given 20 minutes of burn and contributed seven points, four assists and two steals against the defending champs.

Ukic did a solid job with his playing time as he helped Toronto pull to within four points early in the second quarter after they were down 16 in the first quarter. After it appeared that Raptors had been punched in the gut by a strong push by Boston to open the game, Ukic checked into the game and immediately gave them a burst of energy.

His strong play continued early in the third quarter as Ukic had steals on back-to-back possessions and was able to convert those into five points. While he was out of place a couple of times on defense, it was the kind of aggressive mistakes that Mitchell can live with.

Before Toronto’s next game Ukic was asked if his confidence was growing and a grin spread from ear-to-ear. He attempted to be modest but it was clear after a strong game on Sunday he was starting to get over his timidness and rookie jitters.

“For sure,” Ukic admitted to Hoops Addict. “It’s (always) good to come into the game and get some points and some steals. I think I can do a lot of things on the court and put some energy into my team.”

Is the rookie getting too confident? Not a chance. The coaching staff and his teammates are doing a great job of keeping him grounded. Besides, his modest averages of 2.4 points and 1.8 assists doesn’t have the rest of the NBA or Raptors fans buzzing.

“It helps, but I know I need to play better,” Ukic sheepishly told Hoops Addict when asked if his strong play of late has helped to increase his confidence. “I can make some mistakes but I need to play hard. Some nights it might be scoring and others it might be assists, but I need to bring energy every time I step on the court. At the end of the day (my playing time) depends on me. If I bring the team energy he’ll be sure to keep me on the court. If I don’t to that I’m sure to be back on the bench.”

Besides, the rookie can’t get too confident when his head coach seems nonchalant about his play. Mitchell’s never been one to rave about the play of individuals and when asked about the recent play of Ukic he didn’t change his mood.

“I thought he played well,” Mitchell grudgingly told Hoops Addict when asked how he felt Ukic has been playing of late. “He came in and gave us some energy and pushed the ball for us.”

Even though Ukic and Mitchell are downplaying the steady play from Ukic off the bench, it’s his spark and energy that has helped Toronto stay in some games this season. Compared to last season when there was a significant drop once Calderon headed to the bench for a breather, this season with Ukic on the court Calderon doesn’t return to the game with a big deficit to scrap and claw out of.

Ukic might not make get any votes for Rookie of the Year or much print in newspapers this season, but if his play continues to improve he’ll be an integral part of this team by the time the playoffs role along this spring.