By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
As the Toronto Raptors prepare to face the Detroit Pistons this Tuesday at Little Caesars Arena, head coach Darko Rajakovic isn’t just bringing a game plan. He’s also bringing a lifetime of Serbian basketball philosophy.
The 47-year-old play-caller, hired in June 2023 to spearhead the Canadian franchise’s rebuild, has successfully implemented a high-velocity ball-sharing offensive system. When asked about the tactical roots of his playmaking-heavy approach, Rajakovic pointed directly to two of his countrymen who embody the art of the assist.
“I know about passing,” he stated firmly in a press conference. “The best passing five in the history of the game happens to be Serbian, Nikola Jokic, and the best passing point guard in history is Milos Teodosic.”
The praise is backed by unprecedented modern excellence. Rajaković’s connection to the Joker dates back to his time as an assistant for the senior national team of Serbia during the FIBA World Cup 2019. He has watched Jokic evolve into a three-time season MVP. Similarly, he views Teodosić’s magical EuroLeague vision as the gold standard for floor generals.
His coaching journey is a testament to his dedication, beginning in 1999 in Belgrade. Following successful stints in the G League and as an assistant coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, and Memphis Grizzlies, he earned the helm in Toronto. His deep European roots, combined with over a decade of NBA experience, have allowed him to blend tactical precision with the pace of the modern game.
As the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season hits its final sprint, Rajakovic has the Raptors in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings with a 42-32 record. They hold a vital 1.5-game cushion over the Play-In tournament cutoff, looking to secure a direct seed in the upcoming NBA Playoffs, presented by Google.