Raptors finalizing hire of Darko Rajakovic as next head coach

The TorontoRaptors are in the process of finalizing a contract with Memphisassistant Darko Rajakovic to become the team’s next coach, a personwith knowledge of the matter said Saturday.

The team andRajakovic entered into an agreement in principle for him to becomethe franchise’s 10th head coach on Saturday, according to theperson, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymitybecause the final details are pending.

ESPN firstreported Rajakovic’s hiring.

The44-year-old Rajakovic replaces Nick Nurse, who led Toronto to the2019 NBA title and went 227-163 in his five seasons with theRaptors. The Raptors fired Nurse in April, shortly after a seasonin which Toronto went 41-41 and lost in the play-in tournament.

Rajakovic isSerbian and has been involved in coaching since his late teens.He’s had summer league and consulting experience with the SanAntonio Spurs, began coaching in the G League (then called the NBADevelopment League) in 2012, and spent the last nine seasons as anassistant with Oklahoma City, Phoenix and Memphis.

“Congrats andgood luck to my good friend coach (at)DRajakovic!,” tweeted formerToronto assistant and Spanish national team coach Sergio Scariolo —who was also under consideration for the job. “Good choice, it’sgreat to see a european coach having an opportunity to prove hisvalue as an NBA HC! A heartfelt thank you to the Raptors, receivethis consideration from what has been my team was verymeaningful!”

Rajakovic’shiring means all 30 NBA coaching jobs are currently filled. Therewere six hirings since the end of the season: Ime Udoka in Houston,Nurse in Philadelphia, Monty Williams in Detroit, Adrian Griffin inMilwaukee, Frank Vogel in Phoenix — replacing Williams, and nowRajakovic.

Of theleague’s 30 teams, 19 have changed coaches at some point in thelast two years.