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The last update we got on Brandon (Ingram), I think he got a couple of injections at the end of the season. The plan was for him to be back in May. Was that the timeline, and how is he doing now?" Darko Rajakovic: "Brandon is doing really well. He's put in a lot of work since the end of the season. His daily commitment and work ethic are outstanding. He's pain-free and moving well. He’s gotten stronger and is in a really great spot. As of today, he's cleared for full contact — one-on-one, three-on-three, five-on-five — all the things we do in the summer. He’s cleared for all of it."
Obviously, the departure of Masai (Ujiri) was a big development for the franchise. What was your reaction?" Darko Rajakovic: "It's obviously a big change. He was with the team for 12 years and brought a lot of success to the organization. But like anything in life, those situations happen. We’re going to miss him, but we’re also very well-equipped to continue moving forward with the leadership we have in the front office. I'm excited about what’s next for us — and for him."
Josh Lewenberg: Darko Rajakovic on the Masai Ujiri firing: "Obviously, it's a big change... He brought a lot of success to the organization, but like a lot of things in life, those kinds of situations happen. We're going to miss him but we're very well equipped to continue moving forward."
Zulfi Sheikh: Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic and his wife Gaga have continued their tradition of donating to multiple children's hospitals, including SickKids in Toronto. As per his initiative of matching every assist recorded with a $30 donation, this year, his family will donate $70,200
ABA League: A special guest at the Belgrade Derby tonight— @Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković! The second European head coach in @NBA history is back on home turf to catch some #ABALiga action. It's a pleasure to see you, coach!
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Josh Lewenberg: Ujiri on picking up Rajakovic's 4th year option before the season: "I think it's the right thing to do but more than that it was deserving... He's done a phenomenal job. We've put him in a tough position... It's good to make him feel comfortable with his job and where he is."
But no one is shying away from the idea that next season will be much different. To a man, the players believe they’re ready to turn the corner and be a playoff team a season from now. The organization is certainly spending money accordingly — the average salary of their projected starting lineup next season will be $31.3 million, and the team could face challenges staying under the luxury tax. Teams in the snack bracket are expected to win a lot more than 30 games. Rajakovic is one more voice to the chorus. “I think it was a good season for us, Year 1 of the rebuild,” he said. “Now it’s time for the next chapter, and it’s time for us to take the next step.”
“I always believed and trusted that he has that leader in him and he was really able to showcase that this year,” said his head coach and most ardent supporter, Darko Rajakovic. “[We’ve had] a lot of conversations [about] how he needs to talk to his teammates, how he needs to lead, what kind of example he needs to set. This whole season he was always the hardest playing player in every practice we had. He was always the one setting the tone for everybody and that’s something that I do not take lightly, and I really appreciated.”
Ryan Wolstat: Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic speaking now at season-ending availability. "I think it was a good season for us, now it's time for the next chapter, time for us to take the next step." How? Doubling down on hard work, young core and developing our team. "Scottie Barnes is a unicorn, he's an amazing player. Scottie Barnes is the reason why our defence was so good and improved this season." Darko says Barnes was experimenting more with post-ups, drives and they need to figure out what's best approach for him to take advantage of his gifts. Says Nikola Jokic, "in my opinion the best player in the world, makes right decision 100% of the time. Not 85%. So (Raptors must) play right way, not have an agenda." Calls it winning basketball.
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Following the conclusion of the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season and Toronto Raptors being knocked out of the 2025 Playoffs presented by Google, Jakob Poeltl is comfortable with team projections for the next season and excited to continue working with Darko Rajakovic. “There’s some little nuances, obviously, you pick on just from the experience, like how to handle being an NBA coach, how to deal with players,” Poeltl shared his view on adjustments made by the 46-year-old Serbian play-caller, “There’s a few situations where he’s taking a little bit step back, letting guys like myself or other guys that have more experience kind of follow their routines the way they like the way I’ve done it and knowing how to make myself successful. I think he’s found a good balance there.”
Brandon Ingram received injection on injured ankle
It’s not a surprise that Brandon Ingram’s season is over, but it was not expected that the star Toronto Raptors forward would need a PRP injection in his left ankle. Yet, that was judged to be the best course of action and was administered on Tuesday, Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic said on Wednesday before his team hosted the Charlotte Hornets in Toronto’s final home game of the year.
“While we were in New York, we had a chance to go and see a foot specialist with the team,” Rajakovic explained. “And he was able to give us the great news that our diagnosis and all the program and everything we’ve been putting in, it’s the right things. It’s what he needs. He’s been recovering really well. He did recommend for us to consider PRP injection,” Rajakovic said. “The reasoning behind it is it’s going to speed up his recovery. And now with five, six days over here to the rest of the season, it’s going to give him a time to really rehab and rest well and to be ready for our summer program.”
Josh Lewenberg: Darko said Barnes' right hand has been bothering him for a while, hence his recent shooting woes (41% FG, 24% 3P since Mar). "If you're trying to shoot the ball with 3 fingers it changes your shot." He says it needs rest to heal and he'll need to use offseason to work on shooting
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