The Phoenix Suns have another assistant to replace.

Darko Rajakovic has joined the Memphis Grizzlies coaching staff as an assistant after just one season working in Phoenix under Monty Williams.

“I thank Darko for his dedication and contributions during his time on our staff,” Williams said in a statement. “He is a bright basketball mind and a rising coach in this league who brings outstanding energy every day. Beyond this he is a phenomenal person and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him again here in Phoenix. We wish him and his family all the best in Memphis.”

The Grizzlies lost an assistant as Neven Spahija  left “for a coaching opportunity overseas,” but added Rajakovic to Taylor Jenkins’ coaching staff.

“I’m very excited to join Taylor’s staff and the Grizzlies organization,” Rajakovic said in a statement. “This is a unique opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the growth of a highly competitive and sustainable program in Memphis. I would also like to thank Monty and the Suns organization and wish them all the best.”

Darko becomes the third assistant no longer on the original staff Williams put together before the 2019-20 season. The Suns parted ways with Larry Greer and Steve Blake before Phoenix entered the NBA restart in the Orlando Bubble. 

The Suns also lost Daniel Bove, who served as director of athletic performance for the Suns. He was with them in the bubble, but has since joined the New Orleans Pelicans 

Bove has “New Orleans Pelicans | Director of Performance” on his Twitter account.

Williams praised Rajakovic for his work with wing Mikal Bridges, who was perhaps Phoenix’s most improved player this past season.

“He and Darko have been in the lab a ton,” Williams said before Phoenix played its “seeding” games. “I’ve watched those guys, the progression with him. Showing him on film what he did at Villanova and just trying to get him to see it and give him a rhythm.”

Rajakovic worked on Bridges’ release, footwork and having his hands ready to shoot on the catch. Bridges averaged 12.4 points in Phoenix’s 8-0 run in “seeding” games as he shot 14-of-35 (40%) from 3 during that stretch.

The Suns announced the hiring of Brian Randle as an assistant last week. Randle was a player development coach for Minnesota last season after joining the Timberwolves as an assistant video coordinator for the 2018-19 season. 

As for Rajakovi?, he served seven seasons (2012-19) with the Oklahoma City Thunder with the last five an assistant before joining Phoenix for just one season.

“He has shown a passion, drive, high basketball IQ, and love for teaching the game of basketball at a high level both internationally and in the NBA,” Jenkins said in a statement. “His addition to our great coaching staff will continue to help enhance the development of our players, staff and team for the future.” 

Have opinion about current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at [email protected] or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on Twitter at @DuaneRankin.

Support local journalism. Start your online subscription.