Eastern conference contender shows confidence in coach with multiyear extension

Rajakovic inherited a rebuilding franchise with one winning season in NBA champion former coach Nick Nurse's final three years, planting the seeds for the 2025-26 breakthrough over his first two seasons.

When revealing that the Raptors picked up Rajakovic's team option at the tail-end of the 2024-25 campaign, Sportsbet's Michael Grange shared effusive praise from star forward Scottie Barnes, who said, "I give him so much credit.

"He challenges me, pushes me, motivates me. Great at communicating. He's big for our team, huge for me and my development," Barnes added. 

With stakes raised after agreeing to trade for Leonard, Rajakovic's extension indicates the Raptors believe they have a coach capable of continuing to maximize his roster. The numbers suggest they might be right.

Analyst Keerthika Uthayakumar noted following news of the Leonard transaction that the two-time Finals MVP is being added to a team that ranked fifth in defensive rating, including second in clutch defense, and was top-10 in half-court offense.

Toronto also "went from 26th to 15th in offensive rating with [Brandon] Ingram," Uthayakumar wrote, and it's easy to see how Leonard, who averaged a career-high 27.9 points per game last season, could further elevate the offense.

"Darko knows there's more work to be done, and we're looking forward to seeing the continued growth of this team," Toronto's statement continued. 

Instead of coaching for his future in 2026-27, Rajakovic already knows where he'll be. Security is often an illusion in the NBA, but as much as it exists, Rajakovic has it.