On a day of personal recognition for Darko Rajakovic, his efforts were focused on impacting others.
The Toronto Raptors head coach announced on Tuesday that he and his family have extended their personal commitment towards improving children’s health.
The Rajakovic family will donate $33 USD for every assist made by the Raptors this year, continuing the initiative for a third consecutive season.
“To know that we have made a small difference for families going through a difficult period gives us a vote of confidence to continue our support,” Rajakovic said through a statement. “Thank you once again to the hard-working medical staff who have dedicated their lives to improving children’s health.”
The Rajakovic family has already raised $116,900 USD over the first two years of the initiative, with donations going to The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis and to the University Children’s Hospital in his native Belgrade, Serbia.
“Gaga (Rajakovic) and I have been so heartened by the wonderful messages we have received from the children’s hospitals over the last two years,” Rajakovic added.
In the three seasons the 46-year-old has helmed the Raptors, the team has routinely ranked in the top 10 in the NBA in total assists, finishing sixth in 2023-45 (2,335), seventh in 2024-25 (2,340) and is currently third (1,496) through 2025-26.
Toronto’s near-1,500 helpers this season would total $49,368 in donations, with 31 regular-season games still to go.
The news of Rajakovic’s continued commitment came hours after it was announced he was named head coach for Team World at the All-Star game on Feb. 15.
Rajakovic has led the Raptors to 30-21 so far this season, on pace for their best record since going 53-19 as the defending NBA champions in the coronavirus-shortened 2019-20 campaign. They’ve already matched last season’s win total and are in line for what would be the Raptors’ first playoff berth since 2022.
— with files from the Associated Press
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