Darko Rajaković of the Raptors appointed as coach for World team at All-Star event
Darko Rajaković of the Toronto Raptors has been appointed to coach the international team at the All-Star Game on February 15, as announced by the NBA on Tuesday. This decision enhances the global aspect of the new U.S. vs. World format.
Rajaković, a Serbian national and the coach of the only NBA franchise that hosts its home games outside the United States, will serve as an All-Star head coach for the first time.
The Raptors currently hold a record of 30-21 this season, positioning them for their best performance since achieving a 53-19 record as the defending NBA champions during the COVID-affected 2019-20 season. They have already equaled last season’s total wins and are on track for their first playoff appearance since 2022.
The NBA is set to reveal the player rosters for the All-Star tournament on Tuesday night.
Rajaković has extensive experience in international basketball, beginning his coaching career in his native country at the age of 16, later moving to Spain, and eventually serving as a European consultant for San Antonio for nearly ten years before relocating to the U.S. in 2012.
He was also part of Serbia’s coaching staff during the 2019 Basketball World Cup.
At the All-Star event, Rajaković will collaborate with J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons and Mitch Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs as coaches for this season’s mini-tournament, marking the inaugural attempt of the NBA to implement the U.S. vs. World format.
Bickerstaff earned his position due to the Pistons holding the best record in the Eastern Conference. Johnson was selected because the Spurs were the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference as of Sunday’s cutoff date; typically, the coach of the team with the best record receives the honor, but Oklahoma City’s Mark Daigneault was ineligible this year as he coached at the All-Star Game last season.
Rajaković will be among at least four individuals from the Raptors’ organization participating in the All-Star festivities: Scottie Barnes will compete in the All-Star Game, while Collin Murray-Boyles and Alijah Martin will take part in the Rising Stars event.
Rajaković was involved in the 2014 All-Star Weekend as an assistant coach on Scott Brooks’ staff with Oklahoma City.
