The Toronto Raptors may have stunned a good chunk of their fanbase when they hired their next head coach, as they chose former Memphis Grizzlies assistant Darko Rajakovic over names like Sergio Scariolo and Kenny Atkinson that dominated the early stages of the process.
Rajakovic’s main selling point is the fact that he is a masterful developer of young players. With Masai Ujiri hinting that part of the reason Nick Nurse was replaced was some unsatisfactory internal development, hiring someone like Rajakovic to change course was a necessity.
Rajakovic was officially unveiled today in Toronto as Ujiri tried to show off the man he believes will lead them back to their postseason glory. Rajakovic, for his part, said all the right things in his first introduction to this fanbase as he talked up a future based on connection and collaboration.
One of many winning quotes from Rajakovic today was his emphasis on connecting with his players “on a personal level.” Rajakovic said that some of the best feelings he has had as a coach involve watching players he coaches gradually improve. That’s what this fanbase needed to hear.
Darko says he wants to be invested in each of his players as humans first. “I want to connect with them on a personal level.”
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) June 13, 2023
Darko Rajakovic impresses in Toronto Raptors introduction.
Rajakovic developed a reputation as an offensive-minded coach, but he took the time to assure fans that the Top 10 defense from last year is going to stay in his new scheme. Rajakovic took the time to praise the length on this roster, saying it will help him achieve his stated goal of protecting the paint.
Rajakovic notes the strength of this team is length. Everything starts with protecting the paint, philosophically. "Don't worry, we're gonna have a really good defence."
— (((Eric Koreen))) (@ekoreen) June 13, 2023
Rajakovic, who became the second Serbian coach in NBA history after Igor Kokoskov, knows that he is in a very unique position. If he succeeds in Toronto, it could help pave the way for dozens of European coaches looking to earn a job at the professional level in North America.
"I could not dream about being in a better situation and a better city to lead a team."
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 13, 2023
Rajaković explains what it means to be coaching the NBA's only organization based outside of the United States. pic.twitter.com/rc5z9OcdJ6
Rajakovic has more than earned his shot at an NBA job, as he has been coaching since he was 16 years old and had a decade of experience as an assistant at the professional level. Young players like Jaren Jackson Jr and Desmond Bane all got much better when they were under his watchful eye.
While it’s easy to win the press conference, Rajakovic looks like the type of coach who can connect with his players, change the culture, and adapt in crisis. Those qualities seem like everything that Ujiri could have asked for in a prospective head coach.