Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic didn’t have the best results in the NBA league this past season.
Darko Rajakovic became the head coach of an NBA franchise for the first time in his career after fierce competition for the position. The management of the former champion showed full confidence in him to establish the Toronto Raptors as a force again after a certain lull.
However, the past few months have proven that this period wouldn’t be easy. Rajakovic’s team finished the regular season in 12th place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 25-57.
There were several losses by 40 points, a long streak of failure with as many as 15 consecutive losses. Despite everything, the question arises: how did the Serbian coach remain at the helm of the Toronto Raptors after such results, especially in modern basketball where coaches change frequently?
The answer lies in Rajakovic’s adjustments made during the season, as players like Dennis Schroder left the team, while R.J. Barrett joined, among others… The main factor is that the Cacak-born coach lost his best player, Scottie Barnes, who missed a good part of the season due to injury.
The second season crucial?
Perhaps most importantly, Rajaković has the trust of the locker room. Gary Trent Jr. speaks about his approach as “outstanding,” regardless of whether, as he says, there are five players from the development league on the team, or the circumstances are different.
Veteran Garrett Temple touched on many of the difficulties Rajakovic faced and emphasized understanding them, saying that despite everything, he did a “great job.”
The Serbian coach has evidently been given a chance in the NBA, and by all indications, the next season will be crucial. As things stand, the Toronto Raptors have gone through a turbulent period. How much patience there will be for weaker results from October onwards is a big question mark.