Darko Rajaković


Darko Rajaković is a Serbian basketball coach, currently working as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association.
Rajaković was the head coach of the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA G League for two seasons and the first head coach in NBA G League history born outside of North America.

Education

Rajaković earned his degree in basketball coaching from the Belgrade Basketball Academy in 2004 and earned his degree in sports management from the BK University in 2006.

Coaching career

Early career

Rajaković began his coaching career at 16 years old with Borac Čačak in Čačak, Serbia. Following his three-year stint in Čačak, Rajaković was named the head coach of the U-20 and U-18 teams of the Crvena zvezda in Belgrade. During his eight years in Belgrade, Rajaković led Crvena zvezda to two Serbian Youth championships. To increase his basketball coaching acumen and knowledge, Rajakovic spent time with Lute Olson at the University of Arizona and Mike Krzyzewski at the Duke University and attended team practices and meetings at both universities.

San Antonio Spurs (2004–2011)

From 2004 to 2011, Rajaković served as a scouting consultant and NBA Summer League assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs.

Espacio Torrelodones (2009–2012)

In 2009, Rajaković become the head coach of the Espacio Torrelodones of the Spanish EBA League. Rajaković excelled in both recruiting and developing players. In his first season, Rajaković led the Torrelodones to the Primera Division – Community of Madrid Group title, promoting the team to the Liga EBA. In the 2010–11 Liga EBA season, the Torrelodones finished 7th in Group B with 16–14 record. In next season and his last as their coach, the Torrelodones finished 8th in Group B with the same record as for season before.

Tulsa 66ers (2012–2014)

In 2012, Rajaković became the head coach of the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League. Rajaković led Tulsa to a combined 51-49 record over two seasons, including a 27-23 record and NBA D-League Semifinals appearance in 2012–13. During his time with the 66ers, Tulsa was assigned seven players from Oklahoma City a total of 50 times, including Oklahoma City players such as Reggie Jackson, Perry Jones, Jeremy Lamb and André Roberson. Rajaković witnessed five of his Tulsa players receive call-ups to the NBA, including four to the Oklahoma City. He coached 11 Tulsa players over the two years who were on an NBA roster in the 2013–14 season.

Oklahoma City Thunder (2014–2019)

On 5 July 2014, Rajaković was named assistant coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder. During his time with the Thunder, Rajaković has helped develop many players, including Steven Adams, Andre Roberson, Terrance Ferguson, Victor Oladipo, Dennis Schröder, and Alex Abrines. Rajaković served as the Thunder’s head coach at NBA Summer League in 2014 and 2015. He was on the Western Conference All-Star Team coaching staff in 2014. Rajaković helped lead the Thunder to the playoffs four consecutive seasons, making it to the 2016 NBA Western Conference Finals.

Phoenix Suns (2019–present)

On June 26, 2019, Rajaković was hired as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns.

Serbia national team (2019)

On July 18, 2019, Rajaković was hired as an assistant coach for the Serbia men's national basketball team. He made a debut at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup where Serbia won the fifth place.

Head coaching record

NBA Development League

Personal life

Rajaković is fluent in six languages: English, Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, Spanish, and Greek.