Big Kawhi Leonard question hangs over Darko Rajakovic’s Coach of the Year case

Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic has emerged as an early Coach of the Year candidate for analysts Zach Lowe and Howard Beck on The Zach Lowe Show. Rajakovic previously earned one point in the 2025-26 voting after guiding Toronto to the fifth-best record in the Eastern Conference, improving by 16 wins over the prior campaign.

Analysts noted that trading for Kawhi Leonard could complicate Rajakovic's award prospects, as credit for surpassing expectations might primarily go to Leonard. However, Lowe also suggested that reaching 52 wins would likely ensure widespread credit across the organization, including for Rajakovic.