Sergio Scariolo sends a message after Raptors choose Darko Rajakovic / News - Basketnews.com

Scariolo send a message of congratulations to Darko Rajakovic while also thinking the Raptors organization for seriously considering him for the head coaching position.

Credit: Teodoras Biliūnas/BNS; NBA Coaches Association Credit Teodoras Biliūnas/BNS; NBA Coaches Association

The Toronto Raptors have picked Memphis Grizzlies assistant Darko Rajakovic to be their next head coach. Following the news, he received a message from one of the candidates for the position.

3-pointers this season

34%10,7Points made:10,7Accuracy:33,5%Place in standings:27Record max:20Record min:6Most made 3FGs:Fred VanVleetTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

Although Virtus Segafredo Bologna's head coach Sergio Scariolo was oftentimes viewed as the favorite to take the Raptors job, the position ultimately went to the specialist from Serbia, making him the first NBA coach without a US or Canadian passport.

When the news broke out, Scariolo sent a message of congratulations on Twitter while also thanking the Raptors organization.

"Congrats and good luck to my good friend coach Darko Rajakovic! Good choice, it's great to see a European coach having an opportunity to prove his value as an NBA HC!" Scariolo tweeted. "A heartfelt thank you to the Raptors, [to] receive this consideration from what has been my team was very meaningful!"

Rajakovic has been working as an assistant for the Grizzlies for three years. He worked for two years as a coach in the development league, but also as a scouting consultant in the Summer League, with the San Antonio Spurs. Rajakovic has been in the NBA since 2014, where he was an assistant coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, and the Grizzlies.

The 44-year-old Serbian native is set to replace Nick Nurse, who was let go in April and subsequently became the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers.

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