Rajaković makes history as first European coach to reach NBA playoffs

Darko Rajaković has carved out a historic milestone in the NBA by becoming the first European head coach to guide a team into the playoffs. With the regular season now complete, the Toronto Raptors are preparing to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the opening round of the post‑season. The achievement carries particular significance for the Serbian coach, who becomes the first European to lead a franchise into the decisive phase of the championship.

Rajaković’s journey in the league began years earlier as an assistant coach, first with the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2014 to 2019, then with the Phoenix Suns during the 2019‑20 campaign, and later with the Memphis Grizzlies between 2020 and 2023. His steady rise eventually earned him his first opportunity as an NBA head coach in Toronto, where he has now transformed that chance into a landmark accomplishment for European basketball.