The Toronto Raptors have recently announced the appointment of Darko Rajakovic as their new head coach. Rajakovic, who has been an assistant coach in the NBA for over a decade, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Raptors organization.

Rajakovic began his coaching career in 2006 as an assistant coach for the Tulsa 66ers in the NBA G League. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the head coach of the 66ers in 2012. During his time as head coach, Rajakovic led the team to two conference finals appearances and was named the NBA G League Coach of the Year in 2014.

In 2014, Rajakovic was hired as an assistant coach for the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he spent six seasons working under head coach Billy Donovan. During his time with the Thunder, Rajakovic was instrumental in developing some of the team’s young talent, including Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden.

Rajakovic’s appointment as head coach of the Raptors comes at a crucial time for the team. After winning the NBA championship in 2019, the Raptors have struggled to maintain their success, finishing with a record of 27-45 last season. With Rajakovic at the helm, the team will be looking to bounce back and return to their winning ways.

One of Rajakovic’s strengths as a coach is his ability to develop young players. This will be particularly important for the Raptors, who have a number of promising young players on their roster, including Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and Malachi Flynn. Rajakovic’s experience working with young players in the G League and with the Thunder will be invaluable as he looks to help these players reach their full potential.

Another area where Rajakovic excels is in his ability to build strong relationships with his players. This was evident during his time with the Thunder, where he was known for his close relationships with players like Durant and Westbrook. This ability to connect with players and earn their trust will be crucial as Rajakovic looks to build a winning culture in Toronto.

Overall, the appointment of Darko Rajakovic as head coach of the Raptors is an exciting development for the team and its fans. With his wealth of experience and proven track record of success, Rajakovic is well-positioned to lead the Raptors back to the top of the NBA.