Toronto Raptors sign deal for Darko Rajakovic to become team’s next head coach

… a person familiar with the process told USA TODAY Sports. The insider requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to talk publicly before the Raptors made an official statement.

Rajakovic, 44, replaces Nick Nurse, who was terminated following the season and is currently the Philadelphia 76ers coach. Rajakovic takes over a club that finished 41-41, made the play-in game but failed to reach the playoffs.

The Raptors have talent in Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and 2021-22 Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes, Fred VanVleet, and Gary Trent, who can become free agents. Eyes will be on Toronto’s front office (president Masai Ujiri and general manager Bobby Webster) to see which course it takes.

The Serbian-born Rajakovic has been an NBA assistant or G League coach since 2012 and has had a relationship with NBA teams since 2004, when he began coaching at the NBA’s Summer League.

He served as the G League coach for the Tulsa 66ers from 2012–14 and subsequently has been an assistant with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, and, for the past three seasons, the Memphis Grizzlies. He was also an assistant for the Serbian men’s national team.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Darko Rajakovic strikes deal to be Toronto Raptors head coach