Toronto Raptors reach agreement for Darko Rajakovic to become team’s next head coach
The Toronto Raptors and Darko Rajakovic have reached an agreement for Rajakovic to become the team’s next head coach, a person familiar with the process told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly until the Raptors make an official announcement.
Rajakovic, 44, replaces Nick Nurse, who was dismissed after the season and is now the Philadelphia 76ers coach. Rajakovic takes over a team that finished 41-41, made the play-in game but failed to reach the playoffs.
The Raptors have talent in Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and 2021-22 Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes and Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent can become free agents. Eyes will be on Toronto’s front office (president Masai Ujiri and general manager Bobby Webster) to see which direction it takes.
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The Serbian-born Rajakovic has been an NBA assistant or G League coach since 2012 and has had a relationship with NBA teams since 2004 when he began working at the NBA’s Summer League.
He served as the G League coach for the Tulsa 66ers from 2012-14 and then has been an assistant with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns and for the past three seasons, the Memphis Grizzlies. He also was an assistant for Serbian men’s national team.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Darko Rajakovic reaches deal to be Toronto Raptors head coach
