During a March 30 pregame broadcast on Sportsnet, Raptors columnist and insider Michael Grange disclosed that Toronto had exercised the fourth-year option on head coach Darko Rajakovic's contract earlier in the offseason last summer.
Grange described this reveal as "kind of unusual." However, the senior insider emphasized that Toronto aimed to reassure Rajakovic about their long-term commitment to him, even as he navigates the challenges of a difficult rebuild.
I always felt that Rajakovic's position was a bit precarious this season, especially given all the challenges Toronto has faced. But as Grange pointed out, this season was less about winning and more about figuring out how to fit the right pieces together and determining what worked and what didn’t.
The challenging role of head coach is one of those positions that requires time and patience to truly evolve and reveal its full potential. Rajakovic may not be a perfect coach, but he has certainly proven his value as a mentor for this young team.
Raptors organization has a strong belief in Darko Rajakovic
He’s put in a lot of effort to maximize his players' potential by using smart coaching strategies and rotation plans, and it’s clear his decision-making has improved significantly over the year. Plus, the Raptors' defensive progress—becoming the NBA's best team defense in March—definitely deserves recognition for Rajakovic.
Additionally, in Grange's follow-up article about the Raptors' decision to extend Rajakovic, he highlights how players like Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and even veteran Garrett Temple have a lot of respect for the 46-year-old head coach. Being called the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) by your franchise player like Barnes is a clear sign that Rajakovic has the troops on his side.
The relationship between a head coach and his players, particularly the key building blocks of the team, is crucial for achieving top-level success. Even more important is the front office's belief that the head coach has what it takes to lead the team to its goals. It may not happen this season for Rajakovic, but Grange has indicated that he has the support of the right people behind the scenes, suggesting they hold him in high regard.
Grange called into Sportsnet's The Raptors Show on March 31 to discuss the implications of the Rajakovic contract news. He stated: "If they were going to lean hard into this re-build, he wasn't going to be a sacrificial lamb... It worked out to be an excellent decision."
Rajakovic was recently asked about his thoughts on Toronto during a pre-game media scrum on March 28, particularly as several former Raptors veterans have expressed their displeasure with life across the border.
He responded with an uplifting message: "Toronto is one of the best city's in the world. Toronto Raptors have the best fans in the NBA. It's a privilege to play in this city... We're just at the start of our rebuild... I love this city, I love our fans, I love Canada. This is the best place I can be."
Say what you will about Rajakovic's positive comments—of course, you'd expect someone to say nice things about where they work and live. However, I genuinely believe he's being sincere in his response. We're talking about Darko Rajakovic, a guy who is both enthusiastic and unafraid to express his feelings. If he had an issue, he'd likely voice it. But his smile and overall good vibes while working for the Toronto Raptors definitely deserve a thumbs up.
We just saw a skilled head coach, Taylor Jenkins, shockingly getting fired from his position in Memphis late in the season. This goes to show that even if you're a talented coach in the NBA, your job is never guaranteed. And yet, Rajakovic's tenure looks to be secure in Toronto, at least for the foreseeable future.
The job is far from over when it comes to maximizing Rajakovic's coaching potential and unlocking the true talent of the current Toronto Raptors. Early in the season, he faced criticism for his lackluster defensive strategies and struggles to implement effective game plans in crunch time. A particular game against the Brooklyn Nets in December highlighted these issues perfectly.
Moving forward, Rajakovic needs to prove he's more than just a mentor for the younger players; he must harness their strengths, make crucial decisions about his rotations, and show that he can steer the team towards a winning season.