Report: Darko Rajaković Believed to Be Among the Finalists for Raptors' Coaching Vacancy

The Toronto Raptors are reportedly considering Memphis Grizzlies assistant Darko Rajakovic to be a finalist for their vacant head coaching job

All Raptors Staff | Jun 8, 2023

Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

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Toronto Raptors

Darko Rajaković is believed to be among those still being considered to take over the head coaching job for the Toronto Raptors.

The 44-year-old Serbian assistant coach for the Memphis Grizzlies has reportedly progressed through initial interviews, per Marc Stein, and is among the finalists alongside Sergio Scariolo and Kenny Atkinson.

Rajaković has been an assistant coach in the NBA since 2014, first joining the Oklahoma City Thunder before moving to the Phoenix Suns organization and eventually Memphis. He previously spent two seasons as the head coach of the Tulsa 66ers in the NBA G League.

Prior to his time in North America, he coached the Espacio Torrelodones in Spain’s fourth-best league and coached a pair of youth teams in Serbia.

It’s unclear where Rajaković sits in comparison to the others being considered. Atkinson is believed to be the frontrunner, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, followed by Scariolo and Rajaković, respectively.

Steve Nash and Jordi Fernandez had both been considered for the job but did not progress to a second interview, per Doug Smith of the Toronto Star.

The Raptors have the NBA’s lone remaining coaching vacancy and with two weeks to go before the NBA Draft, it’s expected that a hire will be made soon. Toronto would like to have its coach hired before the June 22 draft.

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