Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic has emphasized the importance of learning from coaches around the world, explaining that studying different basketball philosophies is a key part of his offseason preparation.
The Serbian coach believes that constantly evolving strategies, player development and changes in the game make it essential for coaches to continue improving their knowledge.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Rajakovic explained that he spends time each summer evaluating his own team while also examining tactical developments in other basketball competitions.
“Coaching is a continuous process, just like sport itself. You’re always looking for ways to improve. The game is changing, the players are changing, everything is changing.
“Every season is a new story, and every summer I try to find time to analyze our team, but also the trends around the world.”
Rajakovic specifically highlighted European basketball as a valuable source of inspiration, revealing that he welcomed Spanish coach Pedro Martinez to Toronto’s Summer League preparations in Las Vegas.
Martinez, who coached Valencia last season before joining Real Madrid, attracted Rajakovic’s attention because of his team’s offensive performance.
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“I like studying coaches in Europe, watching what they do and seeing what we can take and learn from them. We had one of the best European coaches, Pedro Martinez, come and visit us.
“He spent a couple of days with us in Las Vegas, and it was a great experience. He coached Valencia last season, and they had the best offense in the EuroLeague.”
