Serbian Coach Darko Rajakovic Makes NBA History

Rajakovic becomes first European-born head coach to lead team to NBA playoffs

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:27am

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A cubist, multi-perspective painting in vibrant colors depicting a basketball game or competition, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes representing the action on the court.A fractured, geometric illustration captures the intensity and dynamism of the first-round playoff matchup between the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers.Memphis Today

Darko Rajakovic, a longtime Serbian NBA assistant coach, made history this season by becoming the first European-born head coach to lead a team to the NBA playoffs. Rajakovic, who took over as head coach of the Toronto Raptors in 2023, guided the team to a 5th seed in the Eastern Conference and a first-round matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Why it matters

Rajakovic's achievement breaks down a barrier that has long existed in the NBA, which has historically been reluctant to hire European-born-and-raised head coaches. His success paves the way for more international coaches to get opportunities at the highest level of professional basketball.

The details

Rajakovic, who was born and raised in Serbia, has credited his Serbian roots and the success of Serbian players and coaches for helping him reach this point. He has highlighted the influence of legendary Serbian coaches like Zeljko Obradovic, Svetislav Pesic, and Igor Kokoskov. Rajakovic's journey to the NBA has been unorthodox, as he never played professionally and started his coaching career with youth teams in Serbia before moving to Spain and then joining the NBA ranks.

  • Rajakovic was introduced as the Raptors' new head coach in June 2023.
  • The Raptors clinched a playoff berth with a 136-101 win over the Brooklyn Nets on April 12, 2026.

The players

Darko Rajakovic

A Serbian-born NBA head coach who became the first European-born coach to lead a team to the playoffs as a full-time head coach.

Masai Ujiri

The president of the Toronto Raptors, who hired Rajakovic as the team's new head coach in 2023.

Nikola Jokic

A Serbian NBA player who recently won the championship with the Denver Nuggets.

Novak Djokovic

A Serbian tennis player who recently won the French Open.

Tuomas Iisalo

A Finnish NBA coach who led the Memphis Grizzlies to the playoffs as an interim head coach.

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What they’re saying

“It's not a lot of us, it's not a huge accomplishment.”

— Darko Rajakovic, Toronto Raptors Head Coach

“Without all of those successes of the national team, without successes of the clubs, of individual successes of players and coaches, I would never be in this position over here. So I'm very grateful for the opportunity to represent my country and my fellow countrymen.”

— Darko Rajakovic, Toronto Raptors Head Coach

What’s next

The Raptors will face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

The takeaway

Rajakovic's historic achievement as the first European-born head coach to lead a team to the NBA playoffs represents a significant milestone for international coaches, paving the way for more diversity and global representation on NBA sidelines.