Raptors Coach Darko Rajakovic Finds Belonging in Toronto's Diversity
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As he enters his fourth NBA season, the head coach highlights the city's integrated multiculturalism as a defining feature of his experience.
Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic is preparing for his fourth NBA season in Canada's largest city, a transition that mirrors the broader newcomer experience of seeking a sense of belonging in a new home.
Reporting from blogTO, Rajakovic noted that while visitors often focus on the city's nightlife, food, or traffic, he has been most struck by Toronto's multiculturalism. Rajakovic, who is one of only six coaches born outside the United States to ever serve as an NBA head coach, expressed a deep appreciation for the city's diversity.
In an interview with blogTO, Rajakovic stated that he "absolutely love[s] the people of Toronto," specifically citing the multicultural aspect of the city. He further observed that a unique characteristic of Toronto is how people are "integrated in the culture here."
Rajakovic's team is scheduled to begin the 2026-27 NBA regular season on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, in a matchup against the Chicago Bulls.