When Darko Rajaković returned to Oklahoma City, it wasn’t just another road game on the Raptors’ schedule - it was a homecoming of sorts. Nearly a decade after his time with the Thunder, Rajaković still navigates the winding hallways of Paycom Center like he never left. That’s what happens when you spend years building your NBA foundation inside those walls.
These days, his visits to OKC are rare - just once a season - but the bonds remain strong. Before tipoff, he was seen catching up with Thunder staffers, chatting with familiar faces, and asking about their families. It’s a small glimpse into the kind of person Rajaković is: grounded, connected, and deeply appreciative of where he came from.
And where he came from is an organization known across the league for its developmental excellence. While names like Sam Presti and Mark Daigneault often get the spotlight, Rajaković is one of the many success stories to come through the Thunder pipeline - even if he doesn’t always get the headlines.
He began his NBA journey with the Thunder organization, coaching the Tulsa 66ers in the D-League from 2012 to 2014. That role eventually led to a spot on the Thunder’s bench as an assistant from 2014 to 2019.
It was a bold leap at the time - leaving Europe to chase a dream in Oklahoma - but it’s paid off in a big way. Rajaković is now one of the league’s most respected head coaches, leading a Toronto Raptors team that’s become one of the best surprises of the season.
Before his Raptors pulled off what might be their most impressive win of the year, Rajaković took a moment to reflect on how far both he and the city have come.
“When I first came to interview for a job, I stayed in downtown. It was Sunday afternoon and I went for a walk.
There was nobody in the streets,” he said with a smile. “Compliment to the city and how much it's grown over the last 10-15 years.
It wouldn't have changed without the high-quality people Oklahoma City has and this organization led by Sam Presti.”
That growth - both personal and organizational - is evident. The Thunder have stuck to their blueprint: build from within, invest in development, and stay patient.
The Raptors, meanwhile, have taken a different route. They’ve been more aggressive, more willing to shake things up.
Just look at how their recent roster additions have paid off - Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley - all playing key roles in a team that’s currently sitting near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Toronto doesn’t have a go-to superstar in the mold of a Giannis or Embiid, but Rajaković has found a way to maximize every piece of the puzzle. The Raptors are defending at an elite level, and they’re doing it with a mix of youth, versatility, and buy-in - all hallmarks of a coach who knows how to get the most out of his roster.
No one saw this coming. A top-three seed in the East?
That wasn’t in most preseason predictions. But Rajaković’s fingerprints are all over this team’s identity.
They grind, they defend, and they’ve found a way to matter again - something that hasn’t been said often since Kawhi Leonard’s brief but unforgettable run with the franchise.
Still, for all his success in Toronto, Rajaković hasn’t forgotten where it started. His time in Oklahoma City shaped him - not just as a coach, but as a leader.
He learned the NBA ropes in OKC, coaching the Thunder’s developmental squad and sitting on the bench during deep playoff runs. Those years laid the groundwork for everything he’s doing now.
“It is very rewarding to see that Mr. Bennett, Sam and the group of people they have over here continue to grow over time,” Rajaković said.
“They have the chance to compete at the highest level and to win a championship. Definitely congratulations on their championship.
I'm very, very proud of my time here.”
And that pride is mutual. Rajaković’s journey is a testament to what the Thunder have built - a place where coaching talent is nurtured just as carefully as players.
Now, he’s leading his own team, carving out his own legacy. But in Oklahoma City, he’ll always be more than just a visitor.