The Toronto Raptors are reportedly on the verge of naming Memphis Grizzlies assistant Darko Rajakovic as their new head coach. While this will be his first run as a head coach, fans seem to already know what to expect.
Rajakovic has been coaching basketball since he was 16 years old and has spent the last decade as an assistant for teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns and most recently the Grizzlies. He is credited for developing numerous players into valuable contributors or even outright stars.
As a result, there’s one word that people are using to describe what the Raptors will likely do with Rajakovic at the helm: Rebuild.
Fans aren’t necessarily thrilled with the idea but most are at least willing to give the longtime assistant a chance:
I'm a bit late but wanted to give my thoughts on the Raptors hiring of Darko Rajakovic:
– I'm happy Masai didn't hire internally, we desperately needed a new voice
– Darko is more of a development coach, makes me think we're gonna rebuild now
– He's a very respected coach pic.twitter.com/KAeUMRWcJU
— GTJGotNext (@GTJGotNext) June 10, 2023
.@wojespn reported Saturday that top Grizzlies assistant Darko Rajakovic will be the next head coach of the Toronto Raptors. Rajakovic has been key to the Grizzlies success during their “rebuild” – what does this mean for the direction of the Raptors? https://t.co/TSMheMUgJG
— Grizzly Bear Blues (@bcmGrizzlies) June 10, 2023
Another portion of the Darko Rajakovic hire that I like is that this could be a sign that we are trying to build with him and from here. I don't know if that means a full rebuild, but as long as it means building around Scottie instead of running it back, I'm game.
— ً (@FourOneSixJay) June 10, 2023
I love how the whole narrative was "The Raptors' coaching choice is going to help determine which route they take this offseason," and then they chose Darko Rajakovic because "he could coach a contending team or a rebuilding roster."
This franchise has no clue what it's doing. https://t.co/7fKffY8v1x
— Matthew Winick (@matthewwinick) June 10, 2023
Darko Rajakovic hails from Serbia and got his start coaching youth basketball when he was just a teenager. His first job in the United States was as head coach of the Tulsa 66ers in the NBA Development League.
Rajakovic worked with 11 players on the 66ers who went on to play for the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2013-14 season alone.
So we all know that Rajakovic can develop players – which the Raptors obviously need.
Now if the Raptors can just get a star or two to really augment their ranks, maybe they’ll be back in the playoff race soon enough.
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Basketball News Click Here
