Episode 112: Darko Rajakovic, Installing An Offense

Episode 112: Darko Rajakovic, Installing An Offense

Guest: Darko Rajakovic, Phoenix Suns Assistant Coach

In this week’s basketball coaching conversation, Phoenix Suns assistant coach Darko Rajaković joins the Basketball Podcast to discuss installing an offense. Coach Rajaković shares insights on offensive identity, offensive buckets, how they teach, how they use video, and a deeper discussion of their auto offense.

Rajaković is also an assistant coach for the Serbia men's national basketball team. He was the head coach of the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA G League for two seasons and the first head coach in NBA G League history born outside of North America.

From 2004 to 2011, Rajaković served as a scouting consultant and NBA Summer League assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs. In 2009, Rajaković become the head coach of the Espacio Torrelodones of the Spanish EBA League. Rajaković excelled in both recruiting and developing players.

In 2012, Rajaković became the head coach of the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League. Rajaković led Tulsa to a combined 51-49 record over two seasons, including a 27-23 record and NBA D-League Semifinals appearance in 2012–13.

In 2014, Rajaković was named assistant coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder., where he remained until he joined Monty Williams staff as an assistant coach on the Phoenix Suns in 2019.

Breakdown

1:00 - Offensive Identity

4:00 - Situation where players needs to slow down

6:00 - Develop Confidence in Player's Shooting Ability

8:00 - Assist per Game Goal

10:00 - Roster Turnover

13:00 - Identity

15:00 - Office Buckets

18:00 - Install

22:00 - Make the Comfortable, Uncomfortable

27:00 - Installing the Offense

29:00 - Make Offense Auto