NBA coach Darko Rajaković (age 44 as of January 2024) was born and raised in Čačak, Serbia, where he began his career.

The Raptors tactician received a degree in basketball coaching from the Belgrade Basketball Academy. He later graduated from Alfa BK University with a bachelor’s degree in sports management.

Darko Rajakovic (L) of the Toronto Raptors talks with Marquis Nowell during their game against the Wizards at Scotiabank Arena on 20 October 2023, in Toronto. Photo: Cole Burston

Darko is one of the most famous coaches in the NBA, but his story begins in Serbia, where he quit playing basketball to become a coach in his teens. Here is a timeline of Darko Rajaković’s coaching record and achievements, including his inspiring journey.

The Serbian began coaching in 1996 at 16, following his appointment as the Borac Cacak youth system coach. He trained the team’s seven- and eight-year-olds, helping them nurture their talents.

Darko also coached the Crvena Zvezda youth system in Belgrade, Serbia, from 1999-2007, leading them to two Serbian Youth championships.

Rajaković moved to Spain in 2009 for a new experience. He was appointed the head coach of the Espacio Torreldones in the Spanish EBA League. The Serbian held the position for three years before jumping to the NBA. He also served as a scouting consultant and NBA Summer League assistant coach for the Spurs from 2004-2011.

Darko began his NBA journey at Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League and an affiliate of the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was the team’s head coach from 2012-2014, registering a 51-49 record and leading them to the 2013 NBA G League semifinals.

The Serbian coached the likes of Reggie Jackson, Jeremy Lamb and Andre Roberson at Tulsa 66ers. He later joined the Oklahoma City Thunder as an assistant coach between 2014 and 2019. Darko guided the team to four consecutive playoffs (2016-2019).

Rajaković signed for the Phoenix Suns as assistant manager in 2019 but stayed for just a season before moving to the Memphis Grizzlies as an assistant for three years. He also served as an interim coach of the Grizzlies in five games in 2022 when head coach Taylor Jenkins was out for health and safety protocols.

The experienced tactician recorded 4-1 as an interim, including a historic 116-108 win over the Golden State Warriors. Rajaković joined the Toronto Raptors in June 2023, becoming the 10th head coach in the team’s history after replacing Nick Nurse.

Darko served as an assistant coach of the Serbian national basketball team under Aleksandar Đorđević in 2019. His first game was at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, where they finished fifth. Serbia also boasts another legendary figure in the NBA, Nikola Jokić, who plays as a centre for the Denver Nuggets.

Darko Rajaković and Jokić have also worked together at the national team and are great friends. The Nuggets centre even spent time at Darko’s home celebrating a Serbian holiday.

Rajaković is a proponent of versatility and ball movement philosophy. He envisions utilising players’ skills and rotations to build out the team and make them unpredictable.